Citizen Rules...Cinemaesque Chat-n-Review

[Citizen Rules]

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Jackie (2016)

Director: Pablo Larraín
Writer: Noah Oppenheim
Cast: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig
Genre: Biography, Drama, History

About: The days immediately after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy as seen through the eyes of his wife, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Jackie deals with grief while trying to pay homage to her husband.

Review: From a director who's made movies you've probably never heard of, comes Jackie. A bio-pic that takes a lot of liberties and at times seems more like a tabloid magazine, than anything factual.

For a movie that takes place shortly after the assassination of JFK and covers the time frame up until his state funeral....there's not a lot going on here. That's partially because the director decided to tell his story instead of showing it. What we get is a reporter interviewing Jackie about the tragic events and we then learn about the inner workings of Jackie's mind and her time in the white house, by listening to her interview.

What I learned about Jackie was: she smoked too much, sounded like Marilyn Monroe, was controlling, self centered..and mostly I learned she was selfish...very selfish...being more concerned with herself than anyone else.

I love historical Bio Pics BTW, but if you want to see a stimulating and original look at the assassination of JFK watch Parkland (2013). Oh sure Jackie is filmed beautifully, but that only makes it all dressed up with no where to go.

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But wait a minute! This movie did have something to say. In fact it had a LOT to say, only it was said in such a low key manner that if one isn't paying attention, the writer's agenda will be missed all together.

So what did the scriptwriter, who's a former president of NBC News and a noted conservative, Noah Oppenheim have to say?...His script touts the idea that John F Kennedy's presidency as Camelot, was a made up idea, fabricated by a selfish first lady, and that the only real legacy of JFK is whatever a media savvy Jackie constructed for her own vanity.

And the script tells us that JFK achieved nothing noteworthy in his presidency and unlike Lincoln who was sanctified as a great man after being assassinate...JFK would have been forgotten much like Presidents Garfield and McKinley have been...if it had not been for the self serving whims of Jackie.

One of the most blatant tabloid like scenes is where Jackie tells a priest that she planned an elaborate funeral for JFK...and confesses that grand funeral is not for JKF, and not for America, but only to make herself feel good. That's BS! a priest would never betray a private conversation and according to history the funeral was planned by Robert Sargent Shriver, Jackie's brother in law. The film makes Jackie out to be some type of egotistical individual who manipulated the media on the Kennedy's behalf.

Jackie (2016), is a professionally constructed right wing propaganda film. It's message is so subtly delivered, that it's absorbed rather than shoved into our faces. It's agenda film making at it's worse...The events that occurred after the assassination are being contorted by dialogue that history never recorded and so can never be substantiated. The story we are shown is 'off camera' moments, where the truth of the JFK presidency is coming from the mind of NBC news president Noah Oppenheim.

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I'm giving this 1 popcorn rating and that's only for the stylish DVD cover.
rating_1

[Captain Steel]

I'm repping that review, not because I've seen Jackie (I haven't), but I did see Parkland! (not even Zac Efron could ruin it!) ;)

[Citizen Rules]

Parkland was a good film, unique, fresh, and not boring!


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[gbgoodies]

Jackie (2016)

Director: Pablo Larraín
Writer: Noah Oppenheim
Cast: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig
Genre: Biography, Drama, History

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I'm giving this 1 popcorn rating and that's only for the stylish DVD cover.
rating_1


I haven't seen Jackie yet, but I'm surprised, (and kind of saddened), to see it get such a low rating. It's one of the movies that I was looking forward to watching.

[Citizen Rules]

I haven't seen Jackie yet, but I'm surprised, (and kind of saddened), to see it get such a low rating. It's one of the movies that I was looking forward to watching. I wish you would watch it. I would be very interested in what you think of it. You might not reach the same conclusions as I did. I know Gideon liked it. If you do watch it, please pop in here and let me know what you thought of it.

[gbgoodies]

I wish you would watch it. I would be very interested in what you think of it. You might not reach the same conclusions as I did. I know Gideon liked it. If you do watch it, please pop in here and let me know what you thought of it.


It's still on my watchlist, but I'm not looking forward to it as much as I was before I read your review. I'm very far behind on watching movies from 2016, so it will probably be a while before I get to it, but I'll let you know what I think of it when I eventually get around to it.

[Citizen Rules]

http://atlasmag.dk/sites/default/files/styles/article_inline/public/honeckers_hollywood1.png?itok=v9KGJVTL

Murderers Among Us (1946)
Die Mörder sind unter uns (original title)

Director: Wolfgang Staudte
Writer: Wolfgang Staudte
Cast: Hildegard Knef, Elly Burgmer, Erna Sellmer
Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller
Language: German

About: Berlin 1945, post war Germany, immediately after WWII. Into the ruins of bombed out Berlin, comes a woman who's returning from a concentration camp and finds an ex German soldier living in her partially destroyed apartment. At first she mistrust him and he steals from her, but as the living situation in Berlin is bleak they form a bond and try to make some sort of life togehter after the war.



Review: I was very impressed with this movie that was made by a German director in Soviet controlled Berlin 1945, right after the war. This is the closest I've seen in a movie to what the actual conditions must have been like in bombed out wartime Berlin. That photo I used...that's not done in a studio, that's the guts of bombed out buildings where untold 10,000s of civilians died. If only those ghost could speak, what tales would they tell.

I was impressed by the skill of the film making and the cinematography. I guess I was expecting almost a homemade movie look, as this was done post war and I didn't expect them to have the resources to make the film look so stunningly beautiful. And it is beauty, in it's austere tone. Of course we're talking about a German director who was well versed in German Expressionism. Here you can see where American directors drew their inspiration for the dark and shadowy Film Noirs of the 1940s-50s.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZEsYAqtq0gw/S7usmdjqm4I/AAAAAAAADxg/Su_XpQ1NHv4/s1600/MAAU03.JPG
http://static.flickr.com/61/164039672_273e080e87.jpg?v=0

I liked the story narrative it was effective, easy to understand and follow with its strong human emotions, that anyone could relate to. I thought the actors were all quite good and seemed genuine. The operation scene on the little girl who's laying choking in the bombed out ruins, was powerful, her poor panicked mother made it all the more so. That scene really drove home the desperation that the people faced after the war, many scenes made that point.

A very impressive movie that I liked a lot...and yet I didn't understand a word of it!...as I could only watch the German language version with no subtitles...and I don't speak German.

rating_4+

[Swan]

1 star for Jackie against my 5 stars just goes to show what a polarizing film it was.

[cricket]

1 star for Jackie against my 5 stars just goes to show what a polarizing film it was.

I'll skip watching it altogether so we may have even more variety.

[Citizen Rules]

1 star for Jackie against my 5 stars just goes to show what a polarizing film it was.:) That's cool, we all have different taste. I can say the movie looked great and was very cinematic and stylish. The score was unique too. But I couldn't go with subliminal hatchet job on the Kennedy's from a right wing scriptwriter. I've only given a few 1 star ratings, it seemed weird but it felt right too.

[Swan]

:) That's cool, we all have different taste. I can say the movie looked great and was very cinematic and stylish. The score was unique too. But I couldn't go with subliminal hatchet job on the Kennedy's from a right wing scriptwriter. I've only given a few 1 star ratings, it seemed weird but it felt right too.

It was fascinating reading your review because none of that would have crossed my mind. Even if I disagree - I didn't think it was a very politically-charged movie at it's core (at least not in the sense that it had any agenda or anything) - I enjoyed your unique perspective and it definitely made me think for a second. And I'm a pretty liberal person, I guess, if that means anything.

[mark f]

The director is a leftist but not a propagandist. I've seen four of his films.

[Citizen Rules]

The director is a leftist but not a propagandist. I've seen four of his films. Not the director...I was criticizing the scriptwriter Noah Oppenheim, who's a conservative and former President of NBC news. The director is not always lord and master of the film. The visual style and other attributes are often attributed to the director, but the words that come out of the mouth of the actors comes straight from the scriptwriter. Watch Jackie (2016) carefully, the message is that the Kennedy's (JFK and RFK) don't deserve the praise that is heaped on them by the masses and only received that praise do to Jackie's efforts.

[mark f]

Watched it already - twice. I guess the minimal dialogue was so subliminal that only you got it. If any film belonged to a director, it's Jackie. But yes, the screenwriter usually doesn't get as much credit or blame as the director does, but to me, the emotional heart and truth of the film is in the direction.

[Citizen Rules]

Watched it already - twice. I guess the minimal dialogue was so subliminal that only you got it. If any film belonged to a director, it's Jackie. But yes, the screenwriter usually doesn't get as much credit or blame as the director does, but to me, the emotional heart and truth of the film is in the direction. I guess we can agree to disagree.

[Citizen Rules]

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Waterloo Bridge (1940)
Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Cast: Vivien Leigh, Robert Taylor, Lucile Watson
Genre: Drama, Romance

About: During World War I in London, a British officer (Robert Taylor) meets and falls in love with a beautiful ballerina (Vivien Leigh). The officer is sent off to war and reported dead and the ballerina loses her job and is forced to turn to prostitution.



"You're so young, so lovely and so defeatist...
you don't seem to expect much from life."


Review (does include spoilers) During the first part of the movie I noticed my facial muscles were getting tired and I realized that's because I had been smiling the whole time...I've seen other actors who can evoke emotion in me, but with Vivien Leigh in Waterloo Bridge it's more than that. It's like I had this very real connection and I could experience the emotions she was experiencing. A sort of cinema telepathy.

Then later as the path for Vivien turns darker I could feel her sense of forbidding and hopelessness. I found myself literally holding my breath and grimacing as she read the paper and learned that the love of her life had been killed in war. What follows is a downward spiral, that ends in a haunting scene on Waterloo Bridge.

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The scene is so tragically beautiful with the dark night and the soft glow of fog covering the bridge...as Vivien remembers the spot where she had met the love of her life. Then comes the onslaught of army trucks. They're loud, so loud...and so many, one after another. They fly by, so close to where Vivien is standing. And we see the guts of the truck, the heavy metal bumpers, the steel axles underneath and Vivien starts walking faster and faster...The trucks go by faster, and then she has this look in her eyes, I don't think another actress could capture that look, not in the way Vivien does. Then it's all too late.

"You little fool. Are you tired of life?"...Roy Cronin (Robert Taylor)


When the movie was over and I could breath again, I realized just how poignant the dialogue had been during the course of the movie, it reveals deep insight into the quality of life and what one is willing to endure.

rating_5


.

[edarsenal]

awww, someone is doing a revisiting homage to the 40's HoF. Some really amazing movies in that one and two excellent examples here.
Bravo! :)

[edarsenal]

was doing some catch up and saw these were NOT the only ones -- very, VERY cool!! Loved re-reading your reviews of them

Also, sorry to hear that Harold and Maude wasn't for you - enjoyed your review all the same though!

[CosmicRunaway]

Do you think you'd ever watch Murderers Are Among Us with English subtitles, or are you content to leave your experience the way it is?

[Citizen Rules]

awww, someone is doing a revisiting homage to the 40's HoF. Some really amazing movies in that one and two excellent examples here.Bravo! :) I believe in recycling:p

I do rewrite the reviews, sometimes a lot, sometimes a little. But when I read what I had originally wrote for Waterloo Bridge, I knew it perfectly expressed what I wanted to say.

was doing some catch up and saw these were NOT the only ones -- very, VERY cool!! Loved re-reading your reviews of them

Also, sorry to hear that Harold and Maude wasn't for you - enjoyed your review all the same though! Thanks Ed, I've been watching 2016 films, some classics that I've never seen before like Harold and Maude, among other stuff. I'll probably be watching much more 1940s in the coming future.

Do you think you'd ever watch Murderers Are Among Us with English subtitles, or are you content to leave your experience the way it is? Cosmic, funny you should ask, because I was just thinking I would really like to see it with English subtitles. The only way I can do that is if I buy it, and right now I can't afford it, but yes! I would really like to revisit your nom, and this time with English subtitles:)

[edarsenal]

I keep trying to catch 40's flicks in preparation of the eventual Countdown and realizing that there is so many I never actually saw, so enjoying the catch up.

Regarding Cosmic's nom of Murderers, I do remember you having problems with dailymotion. It does have 2 versions of that movie, both with english subs. so. . .

[Citizen Rules]

I've tried and can't get Dailymotion to work for me. I haven't started revisiting the 40s yet, I need to do that!

[edarsenal]

I've tried and can't get Dailymotion to work for me. I haven't started revisiting the 40s yet, I need to do that!

I had some problems with daily when I first tried using it too. Sorry to hear that they continue :(

[Citizen Rules]

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Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)


Director: George Roy Hill
Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross
Genre: Biography, Western, Light Comedy

About: The mostly true story of the life and exploits of two of the wild west last outlaws, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid.

Review: The movie poster for this says, 'just for fun' and that's the way to watch this film, for fun. Paul Newman and Robert Redford have legendary chemistry as the pair of infamous and fun loving outlaws. I suspect a lot of their on screen chemistry is due to the fact that they got along well in real life and also, the light hearted script, gave them a chance to relax and have fun. And their fun comes through the screen in oodles. I could over analyze this movie, but I'll just say it's very 1969 in it's carefree attitude and cinematic style.

There's some interesting cinematography done, especially effective is the sepia toned scene where Redford eyes shine out of the shadows. It looks better in the movie, than it does in this photo.
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One of the biggest songs of 1969 was played during the charming bicycle riding scene...the song was Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head.

Both Paul Newman and Robert Redford are a blast to watch here, but female co star, Katharine Ross is no slouch either. She helps to ground the boys and by her being the sensible one, the boys then look even more wild and crazy than if she hadn't been cast.

The movie is one iconic scene after another. There's never a dull moment and for a 1969 film it's rather fast paced, but not too fast. Who can forget the jump of the cliff scene?

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Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid is a kick in the pants western. Yahoo!



rating_4

[edarsenal]

an all time favorite and the second movie I can remember seeing as a tiny tot at the Drive In. I was around 3 1/2. But I do remember it and crying at the end. Of course I still get a lil choked up at the end still. :bashful:
(The first was Romeo & Juliet)

[Citizen Rules]

an all time favorite and the second movie I can remember seeing as a tiny tot at the Drive In. I was around 3 1/2. But I do remember it and crying at the end. Of course I still get a lil choked up at the end still. :bashful:
(The first was Romeo & Juliet) Cool, that you can remember seeing it at such an early age. And you seen Romeo & Juliet in 1968, wow! you were already off to a good movie watching career! Oh, now I know you're just a bit younger than me;) what makes you a kid:p

[edarsenal]

Cool, that you can remember seeing it at such an early age. And you seen Romeo & Juliet in 1968, wow! you were already off to a good movie watching career! Oh, now I know you're just a bit younger than me;) what makes you a kid:p

and here I thought I WAS the grandpa of us two lol

[Citizen Rules]

and here I thought I WAS the grandpa of us two lol I must be 1 president earlier than you.

[edarsenal]

so I'm guessing you born around 1960? I was in 1964.

[Captain Steel]

so I'm guessing you born around 1960? I was in 1964.

Uh-oh! Same age. (And I actually remember Oliver Reed appearing in first run movies at the theater!) ;)

[edarsenal]

for me or CR?

I think my first Oliver Reed at the theater was Three Musketeers in 73. puts me around 3rd grade. Though I did see him previously in Oliver! on TV (a VERY intimidating Bill Sykes when I was little)

[Citizen Rules]

so I'm guessing you born around 1960? I was in 1964. Nope:p

I must be 1 president earlier than you. Ed, who was president before LBJ;)

[edarsenal]

wait, wait, I know this. . . . that irish-catholic fella from out around Bahston, right?? ;)

Completely forgot about the rather short term for him. :(
So, my second guess will be right in the middle of that term -- 62?

[Chypmunk]

1862 presumably?

*ducks

[Citizen Rules]

wait, wait, I know this. . . . that irish-catholic fella from out around Bahston, right?? ;)

Completely forgot about the rather short term for him. :(
So, my second guess will be right in the middle of that term -- 62? Well I'll just say it's either 1961,62,63;)

[Captain Steel]

for me or CR?

I think my first Oliver Reed at the theater was Three Musketeers in 73. puts me around 3rd grade. Though I did see him previously in Oliver! on TV (a VERY intimidating Bill Sykes when I was little)

For you ed. I was born at the end of 1964 (literally at the end: Dec. 30, one day before 1965).

On Oliver Reed - he had an intensity that came through on screen. He seemed like he'd be a scary person in real life (and based on reports, his use of alcohol made him just that)!

[edarsenal]

I KNEW you wouldn't give a straight answer! LOL

no need to be that way, EMBRACE the Gray, I say!!
Yelling at kids to get off our lawns, telling young folks they don't know how easy they have it. . . Why, in my day, I had to GET UP to change the channel!!
It's a beautiful time, my friend! :)

[Captain Steel]

I KNEW you wouldn't give a straight answer! LOL

no need to be that way, EMBRACE the Gray, I say!!
Yelling at kids to get off our lawns, telling young folks they don't know how easy they have it. . . Why, in my day, I had to GET UP to change the channel!!
It's a beautiful time, my friend! :)

Sounds like you need to check in on that Positivity Blog thread!

[edarsenal]

1862 presumably?

*ducks

Hey, hey, a little respect for us Civil War veterans IF YOU PLEASE

;)

For you ed. I was born at the end of 1964 (literally at the end: Dec. 30, one day before 1965).

On Oliver Reed - he had an intensity that came through on screen. He seemed like he'd be a scary person in real life (and based on reports, his use of alcohol made him just that)!
I have heard that about his drinking. I have also heard he had QUITE the incredible list of drinking buddies: from Richard Harris to Keith Moon and, I can't remember but I THINK it included Richard Burton and possibly Peter O'Toole, not too sure about those two, but MIGOD what a utter slice of debauchery THAT must of been! Especially when they got to the point of topping one another

[edarsenal]

Sounds like you need to check in on that Positivity Blog thread!

you have my curiosity. . . off I go

[Citizen Rules]

I KNEW you wouldn't give a straight answer! LOL

no need to be that way, EMBRACE the Gray, I say!!
Yelling at kids to get off our lawns, telling young folks they don't know how easy they have it. . . Why, in my day, I had to GET UP to change the channel!!
It's a beautiful time, my friend! :)Nah, not vanity, I control my PI. I never give out any hard data on a discussion board.

[edarsenal]

very wise, very sensible. I gotcha.


so, about your PIN number?,, , , ;)

[Citizen Rules]

very wise, very sensible. I gotcha.


so, about your PIN number?,, , , ;)Ha, I don't think I have one. I'm more of a cash an carry type of guy. I have no cash, so it's pretty easy to carry:p

[edarsenal]

ah, a man and his "pimp money" VERY stylish!

[Captain Steel]

ah, a man and his "pimp money" VERY stylish!

Rules is my hero - he's off the grid. (I still haven't been able to part with my TV service.)

[SilentVamp]

no need to be that way, EMBRACE the Gray, I say!!
Yelling at kids to get off our lawns, telling young folks they don't know how easy they have it. . . Why, in my day, I had to GET UP to change the channel!!
1. I was in the mood of yelling "Get off my lawn" and telling everyone younger than myself that they have it much easier when I was a teenager already. :)
2. I'd figured out the ages of you boys awhile ago. :) And you are all the same ages as my first two brothers. If you guys want to consider yourselves "old", go ahead. But in my world, because of my brothers, you guys aren't even remotely "old" to me. So I would appreciate any old fogey attitude to not happen in my presence. :D
3. I am actually a bit younger than you guys, but you know what? We even had a TV that you had to get up to change the channel for when I was a kid. :yup:


Citizen Rules I watched Fences last night. I have some stuff that I really want to say about it, but I will just give some basics thoughts for now. First of all, it is beyond me how Moonlight would've beat it for Best Picture (I can only compare to Moonlight as that is the only other nomination that I have been able to watch so far). Second, I wasn't as impressed as others with Viola Davis. She was good, but I don't see anything standing out too much with her performance. I feel it was more her character that made her stand out, but I won't go on about that right now - I do have thoughts about her character. Third, I was very impressed with Denzel in it, but I don't know of him ever not making an impression on me. I have things that I could say about his character, but I will save that, too. He really got to me sometimes (not at all in a good way, of course), but that is because it connected to me on somewhat of a personal level. Fourth, I think Mykelti Williamson should've gotten some sort of recognition - even with just a nomination. That is all I will say for now. I will get into more later on, but if there is anything else that you want to ask me about regarding my opinion on something with the film, ask away. :)

[Citizen Rules]

....@Citizen Rules (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=84637) I watched Fences last night. I have some stuff that I really want to say about it, but I will just give some basics thoughts for now. First of all, it is beyond me how Moonlight would've beat it for Best Picture (I can only compare to Moonlight as that is the only other nomination that I have been able to watch so far). Second, I wasn't as impressed as others with Viola Davis. She was good, but I don't see anything standing out too much with her performance. I feel it was more her character that made her stand out, but I won't go on about that right now - I do have thoughts about her character. I haven't seen Moonlight and I'm not that interested in watching it so can't comment there. But yeah it's weird that Fences didn't get a Best Picture nomination. The only Oscar nominated film I seen from 2016 was Arrival which wasn't that special, IMO of course😊

I see what you mean by Viola Davis's character is what helps her stand out. I think that's often the case. I liked her though.


Third, I was very impressed with Denzel in it, but I don't know of him ever not making an impression on me. I have things that I could say about his character, but I will save that, too.

He really got to me sometimes (not at all in a good way, of course), but that is because it connected to me on somewhat of a personal level. Oh, I'm curious about that, now...

About Denzel's character, did you find his character likable? an ass? somewhere in between? Was his actions ever justified? Or were we suppose to see him in a negative light?


Fourth, I think Mykelti Williamson should've gotten some sort of recognition - even with just a nomination. I don't reconzie his name, what role did he play in the movie? Was he the older son who played jazz? If so I liked him. If he's the youngest son, I was lukewarm to him. Something about his actions, body language and way of responding to his dad, reminded me he was an actor and not from the 1950s. The older son who played jazz, seemed like he belonged in the era.

[mark f]

Fences was nominated Best Picture. Mykelti (Bubba from Forrest Gump) was Denzel Washington's character's mentally-challenged brother.

[Citizen Rules]

Fences was nominated Best Picture. Mykelti (Bubba from Forrest Gump) was Denzel Washington's character's mentally-challenged brother.Thanks Mark, I must have seen it mentioned as one of the nominees, I just didn't remember.

[Jeff Costello]

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a non stop fun ,like you said. Great film indeed.

[Gideon58]

I haven't seen Moonlight and I'm not that interested in watching it so can't comment there. But yeah it's weird that Fences didn't get a Best Picture nomination. The only Oscar nominated film I seen from 2016 was Arrival which wasn't that special, IMO of course😊
.

I totally agree that Mykelti Williamson deserved a nomination.

[rauldc14]

Fences is performance driven. Good performances but the story wasn't all that impressive for me. Which sucks, because, well I'm a Denzel Washington buff. I actually haven't bought the DVD yet and I own a good majority of his films.

[Gideon58]

Citizen Rules I watched Fences last night. I have some stuff that I really want to say about it, but I will just give some basics thoughts for now. First of all, it is beyond me how Moonlight would've beat it for Best Picture (I can only compare to Moonlight as that is the only other nomination that I have been able to watch so far). Second, I wasn't as impressed as others with Viola Davis. She was good, but I don't see anything standing out too much with her performance. I feel it was more her character that made her stand out, but I won't go on about that right now - I do have thoughts about her character. Third, I was very impressed with Denzel in it, but I don't know of him ever not making an impression on me. I have things that I could say about his character, but I will save that, too. He really got to me sometimes (not at all in a good way, of course), but that is because it connected to me on somewhat of a personal level. Fourth, I think Mykelti Williamson should've gotten some sort of recognition - even with just a nomination.

There is some great acting in this film, especially Davis, but it's probably the weakest of the Best Picture nominees. The film never escapes its stage origins and is a little too talky...it's a property that originated onstage and was never really meant to be a movie. Denzel's position as a Hollywood player made this movie look a lot better than it really was. JMO.

[Gideon58]

I've tried and can't get Dailymotion to work for me. I haven't started revisiting the 40s yet, I need to do that!

Dailymotion has been really wierd lately...I've been having a lot of problems with it too.

[Citizen Rules]

I totally agree that Mykelti Williamson deserved a nomination.Oh, so he played the mentally slow brother. Sorry Vamp and Gideon, I didn't like his performance. Even during the movie I said out loud that he reminded me of Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. I'm sure one of the hardest things for an actor to pull off is to portray a mentally slow person without looking like a carictuare. I thought Mykelti tried to hard and I didn't fully buy into his performance. He was my least favorite in the movie.

There is some great acting in this film, especially Davis, but it's probably the weakest of the Best Picture nominees. The film never escapes its stage origins and is a little too talky...it's a property that originated onstage and was never really meant to be a movie. Denzel's position as a Hollywood player made this movie look a lot better than it really was. JMO. In the case of Fences, I love that it's talky and set in literally one location. I think that allows a deeper character study. Denzel was OK, but he doesn't strike me as amazing. I have liked Viola Davis in everything I've seen. She has the ability not to be a Hollywood star, but to become her character, much in the way Meryl Streep does.

[SilentVamp]

it's probably the weakest of the Best Picture nominees. The film never escapes its stage origins and is a little too talky...it's a property that originated onstage and was never really meant to be a movie.
When it first started I said that there was no doubt it was a play. Then I thought that maybe people who haven't experienced many plays - if any at all - would even get that vibe from it. But as it went on I thought it did a good job of drifting away from the "stage" feeling that it had. As for its nomination, I haven't seen any of the others to compare it to other than Hell or High Water (which I forgot about watching until this morning) and Moonlight, which I thought was good, but just not good enough. I just didn't think it was an Oscar-worthy film for the top prize. Between the films I've seen so far, I much prefer Fences.

About Denzel's character, did you find his character likable? an ass? somewhere in between? Was his actions ever justified? Or were we suppose to see him in a negative light?
I don't know. I think we are supposed to think his character is whatever we think about him. Meaning, if there are people out there (which it is unreal to me if there is) that feel some sort of empathy towards him, they can do it. If they are more along the lines of the way I am, I really didn't give a damn about him at all. I have a really hard time feeling sorry for a man like that. There were shades of that character that were eerily like my father. And that makes me very cold towards characters like Denzel's. It was how he threw around the fact that it was HIS house and HE was the one taking care of everything. And his constant blaming others for his life being how it was (and he was doing that). And the idea that HE needed to go out and live this other life to feel better about himself - if that is even how I want to describe his way of thinking. The idea that HE needed his time for himself to be happy. But what about his wife? Why couldn't she ever have time for herself? I hate the idea that because a man "provides" for the family, he is the only one that deserves something else from time to time. Women essentially hold the house together. They take care of everything and deal with every problem that comes along. But what if SHE wanted to go out and just have some time for herself? Well, that wouldn't be right of her. Oh, God forbid she should enjoy a little bit of her life! It just drives me INSANE!!! And there was more than one time that I honestly YELLED at the TV while watching this film. I, personally, have not dealt with one guy that hasn't had the mentality that Denzel did in this film. I have gone out with guys like that. My brothers have inherited quite a bit of it from my father. And I just have NO patience for it. Because why are their lives so much more important than the lives of women? And it just bothers me. My mom was with the kids 24/7. She was around ALL the time. And my father would, without fail, go out on Saturday night every week looking so fine and perfect but never with my mother. This was HIS time now. And however a little kid thinks it, I thought there was something odd about my father going out like that with my mom at home. And I, in my little kid mind, wondered WHAT he was doing. I did. I don't remember how I questioned it, but they are questions that I've had all my life that I know what I think now, if you know what I mean. So he got to live his life and all my mother really wanted to do was to take a walk on an occasional Saturday to a shopping center by the house. She would tell him that she needed some money, he'd give $20 and then say "The change has a home". So you see? After my confession about a part of my growing up, I have NO sympathy for Denzel. He is an arrogant, self-centered ass. I can't feel bad. There was part of me that felt bad when he was sitting there feeding his brother (who is the way he is because of the plate in his head from the war), but otherwise, no. And I think it was just absolutely bizarre, even if it was a fact of life now, that he spoke so casually about his girlfriend and the baby. It is a shame that Viola Davis didn't have somewhere else to go. I wouldn't have stayed. And it isn't like she had any little kids left - well, his kid with the OTHER woman! It frustrates me and infuriates me when there are people that think the way Denzel did in this film. It was a good movie, and I thought he was very good, but God, how I disliked his character!

[Citizen Rules]

@SilentVamp (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=87364)

That was a potent post Vamp, very forthright. I'm on the same wavelength as you about his character. I 'think' most people would have a dim view of the way he ruled his roost and dominated everyone around him, without giving anything other than his paycheck which he claimed was enough.

When the film first started, I thought he was a bit of a loudmouth, braggart and did quite a bit of chest thumping...so at that point I didn't like the movie, because I thought we were suppose to like him and I didn't.

As the movie progressed, I realized the genius of it, was it's realism. I admired that the film had guts to cast a believable ass as the lead...and yet not presenting him as the atypical, 'mustache twirling' bad guy. He's a very believable ass, and from your post, I'd say the film has great power. I'm glad you posted your thoughts.

[Citizen Rules]

70741
North by Northwest (Hitchcock, 1959)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writer: Ernest Lehman
Cast: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery

About: A New York advertising man (Cary Crant) while having drinks with friends is mistaken for another man and is abducted at gun point by two mysterious strangers, who believe he's someone else.



Review: I love the composition of that scene in the dust covered corn field. The big empty space with Cary Grant off to one side speaks volumes.

I always enjoy Hitch's movies:) I can't think of a Hitch film I've seen that I disliked. I say that because I tend to focus my critique on things that I didn't care for even when my overall review is positive.

Right off the bat I loved the opening title credits and music score...The title credits are important, they set the theme of the movie...and it's feeling. The credits were frantic, fast paced, with diagonal lines...lines everywhere! Like points on the map.

Then the credits dissolve into a diagonal shot of the U.N. building. Very cool! Then the theme of fast, confused movement continues as Cary Grant bustles down a very crowded New York City street. There's people everywhere! All going somewhere, movement, movement, movement!....That's the theme of the movie...and Hitch brilliantly establishes that in the opening scene.

Instantly the film grabs me and pulls me into it's world. The first 45 minutes where Cary is mistakenly abducted was gripping. The script is very intelligently written throughout the entire film. Cary reacted to his kidnappers in the way I would have expected him to. And the plot twists and grows as it's story elements continually broadening the underlying spy theme. Well done.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29777&stc=1&d=1491701412


Cary Grant is perfect for this role. As much as I like Jimmy Stewart, he would have been all wrong here. But the suave and yet irritated Cary worked perfectly here. So did James Mason. Damn is this guy good or what! The more I see of James Mason, the more I like him.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29778&stc=1&d=1491701448


So, I was in bliss here with the movie, until Eva Maria Saint appears. I do like her, but the movie stalls a bit with her controlled acting. She seemed like an actress in a soap opera, dramatic but not real. She was austere, cold and distant. Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know that was her character, but later in the movie when we learn more about her, she still stays in this same mode. I feel the same way about her in this movie, as I did about Grace Kelly in Rear Window and especially Dial M for Murder.

But wait a minute! I recently watched On the Waterfront and in that Eva Marie Saint was very good. She was believable and very much in the moment. So it's not her, as I know she can act up a storm, which means maybe it's not Grace either....It's the way Hitch handles some of his leading ladies. He seems to actively seek out, blonde arm hanger actresses in many of his 50s-60s movies. They're often the cold, cool, beautiful bitchy type. I've heard Hitch had a thing for that type. It's too bad because I found Eva's character underdeveloped, compared to what she could have been, and she could have been so much more.

The last hour is fun/exciting/good, but more on par with Spielberg's Indian Jone type film, with lots of action, and thrills and trick camera shots.

rating_3_5+

[Nestorio_Miklos]

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=28115&stc=1&d=1482085049

Waterloo Bridge (1940)
Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Cast: Vivien Leigh, Robert Taylor, Lucile Watson
Genre: Drama, Romance

About: During World War I in London, a British officer (Robert Taylor) meets and falls in love with a beautiful ballerina (Vivien Leigh). The officer is sent off to war and reported dead and the ballerina loses her job and is forced to turn to prostitution.



"You're so young, so lovely and so defeatist...
you don't seem to expect much from life."


Review (does include spoilers) During the first part of the movie I noticed my facial muscles were getting tired and I realized that's because I had been smiling the whole time...I've seen other actors who can evoke emotion in me, but with Vivien Leigh in Waterloo Bridge it's more than that. It's like I had this very real connection and I could experience the emotions she was experiencing. A sort of cinema telepathy.

Then later as the path for Vivien turns darker I could feel her sense of forbidding and hopelessness. I found myself literally holding my breath and grimacing as she read the paper and learned that the love of her life had been killed in war. What follows is a downward spiral, that ends in a haunting scene on Waterloo Bridge.

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=28118&stc=1&d=1482089354


The scene is so tragically beautiful with the dark night and the soft glow of fog covering the bridge...as Vivien remembers the spot where she had met the love of her life. Then comes the onslaught of army trucks. They're loud, so loud...and so many, one after another. They fly by, so close to where Vivien is standing. And we see the guts of the truck, the heavy metal bumpers, the steel axles underneath and Vivien starts walking faster and faster...The trucks go by faster, and then she has this look in her eyes, I don't think another actress could capture that look, not in the way Vivien does. Then it's all too late.

"You little fool. Are you tired of life?"...Roy Cronin (Robert Taylor)


When the movie was over and I could breath again, I realized just how poignant the dialogue had been during the course of the movie, it reveals deep insight into the quality of life and what one is willing to endure.

rating_5


.


Nice review Citizen! Vivien is so lovely. I have to check this movie out. I know what you mean by cinematic telepathy. I wonder if I experience the same with this picture. :)

[Citizen Rules]

Nice review Citizen! Vivien is so lovely. I have to check this movie out. I know what you mean by cinematic telepathy. I wonder if I experience the same with this picture. :) Thanks Nestorio. Waterloo Bridge (1940) is one of my favorite movies, it's in my Top 10 on my profile. It's a very emotional movie and can be quite sad a times too. If you watch it, let me know what you thing of it.

[Citizen Rules]

http://d.christianpost.com/full/102460/590-244/silence.jpg

Silence (Martin Scorsese, 2016)

Director: Martin Scorsese
Writers: Jay Cocks & Martin Scorsese(screenplay), Shûsaku Endô(novel)
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam Neeson
Genre: Drama, Period History

Based on the novel by Japanese author, Shûsaku Endô. Famed director Martin Scorsese directed and co wrote this tale of two Portuguese Jesuit priests who in the 17th century travel to far away Japan. Their mission is to find and determine if their mentor and fellow Jesuit priest has renounced his faith 'apostatized' thus turning his back on the Catholic church.

I love movies that are historical period pieces, as they transport us back to another day and allow us to see the past in a way no history book can. Silence, not a telling of actual events but based on the Catholic churches attempt and ultimate failure to spread Christianity to the people of Japan.

Silence, looks amazing, it's filmed almost entirely in Taipei, Taiwan. Scorsese takes his time, telling his story and sets the mood with subdued lighting and rain. The filming in the jungles of Taiwan, really make this film look special.

Unfortunately special looking only goes so far in film making. Silences, is slow, painstakingly slow. With almost 3 hours you would expect an epic, you would expect deep character analyzes, you would expect more than scene after scene of the priest stuck in a small hut, stuck in a prison cell, and torture scenes. The torture scenes went on so much that they lost all effectiveness and I found myself rooting for the Japanese!

Boring is a good word to describe this film. There's scarcely 90 minutes with of story stretched out to almost 3 hours. I love a movie that takes it's time to tell it's story, but this is ridiculous. I hated the way the Japanese villagers would made to look like idiotic heathens. Japan had a culture that was richly developed at the time.

Liam Neeson, has about 10 minutes of screen time and when he's own screen he looks bored. Never does he give us any emotional insight into why he does what he does. And that is the whole point of the movie.

Andrew Garfield, is good in this. I wouldn't call it Oscar worthy but he does a good a job at it, but he can't save a movie that has almost nothing to say.

rating_3

[cricket]

A Scorsese film I have no interest in, quite a rarity.

[Citizen Rules]

A Scorsese film I have no interest in, quite a rarity. Yeah me too, Only I had to watch it to find out.

I was really excited about this from the trailer, but the trailer made it look much more interesting than it was. Paint drying, I tell ya.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29802&stc=1&d=1491875556
Withnail & I (1987)

Director: Bruce Robinson
Writer: Bruce Robinson
Cast: Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths
Genre: Comedy, Drama

About: Two deadbeat actors with no money and no self respect who live in utter squalor in a filthy apartment in London, 1969. Withnail and his friend Marwood are tired of their dirty apartment and crazy go-nowhere lives. So they take a holiday in the countryside, staying at Withnail's rich Uncle Monty's cottage. When they arrive, the madness continues and the rain pours and the two deadbeats spend the weekend drunk and fighting with the locals. Meanwhile amorous Uncle Monty arrives at the cottage with designs on Marwood, who's not interested.

Review: Withnail & I...is a British dark comedy. This was not to my liking and it took all of my effort just to get through it. I found the movie tedious, full of inane dialogue but with no emotion. There's no development, no story, no theme and personally I didn't find it funny either.

I didn't care about the characters, I didn't care about their story, I found the talky-long scenes draining. The tall guy, Withnail was annoying and so over the top that I cringed when he talked, his friend was just plain boring.

There was a few scenes I liked, the best was the tea and cake shop when they were drunk and told to leave...but said they were millionaires who would buy the shop just to fire the proprietor. OK that was funny.

In a nutshell, I disdained the nutty characters and their nutty situation, this is not my cup of nuts.

rating_1_5

[Citizen Rules]

http://www.tasteofcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Hiroshima-Mon-Amour.jpg
Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959)

Director: Alain Resnais
Writer: Marguerite Duras
Cast: Emmanuelle Riva, Eiji Okada, Stella Dassas
Genre: Drama, Romance, History

About: A French actress who's in Hiroshima to make an anti-war film. There she has an affair with a married Japanese man and they talk about their own experiences during WWII.

Review: The first 15 minutes were powerful with the archival film footage of Hiroshima's aftermath from the atomic bomb that was dropped on it during WWII. I mean how could it not be powerful? The director shows you a kid with his lips burnt off and a close up of a woman with her eye melted away! That was gross. I found the scenes of the destroyed city interesting, in a somber way.

But what followed in the next hour, I found to be ineffective. Any feelings about the war and the atomic bomb that I had, were washed away by watching the inane French actress do nothing but bemoan her wartime experience in the French town of, Nevers.

It's hard to believe that a movie about Hiroshima that was actually filmed there could have next to zero impact on me. I've been much more moved by History Channel documentaries about Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

I get what the director is trying to do...much of what the French woman and the Japanese man are saying is metaphorical, and her insanity is the insanity of war...and his relative calm is society forgetting about the horrors of war. Metaphors work in small doses...and I guess in arthouse films. But I could've cared less about the plight of the French actress, so I ended up not caring about the film either.

This movie did nothing for me, sorry not my cup of Sake.

rating_2

[Captain Steel]

I've always been interested in seeing Hiroshima Mon Amour . Thanks for the warning.
Mmmmm... Sake.

[Camo]

Pretty much agreed on Silence, think i liked it a little more than you but not much. Gorgeous film and there was some good stuff here and there but i found it mostly dull too.

[Citizen Rules]

I've always been interested in seeing Hiroshima Mon Amour . Thanks for the warning.
Mmmmm... Sake. Don't take my word for it. I mean that, I didn't like it at all...but a lot of the members of the 12th Hof thought it was great. It's certainly a noble effort, very different, not movie like.

Oh and Sake's gross:sick: I had a friend in high school who's mom was from Japan and we would sneak some Sake on occasion....yuk! That a warm beer is what I remember from high school!

Pretty much agreed on Silence, think i liked it a little more than you but not much. Gorgeous film and there was some good stuff here and there but i found it mostly dull too. Cut off the last 40 minutes and I might have liked it much more. It's too bad I was really looking forward to that one.

[Captain Steel]

Don't take my word for it. I mean that, I didn't like it at all...but a lot of the members of the 12th Hof thought it was great. It's certainly a noble effort, very different, not movie like.

Oh and Sake's gross:sick: I had a friend in high school who's mom was from Japan and we would sneak some Sake on occasion....yuk! That a warm beer is what I remember from high school!

Cut off the last 40 minutes and I might have liked it much more. It's too bad I was really looking forward to that one.

I haven't had Sake in years, but I remember having it at a sushi restaurant and it was lovely. Almost like a potent hot tea, but served in those little white shot glasses. And it gave me a warm buzz that seemed quite different from other alcohol (which I've become so accustomed to that I no longer care for it all that much).

Not sure, but like other wines, Sake's quality may depend on the brand, price, age, etc.

P.S. Isn't there a movie with William Holden about Hiroshima also?

[Citizen Rules]

I haven't had Sake in years, but I remember having it at a sushi restaurant and it was lovely. Almost like a potent hot tea, but served in those little white shot glasses. And it gave me a warm buzz that seemed quite different from other alcohol (which I've become so accustomed to that I no longer care for it all that much).

Not sure, but like other wines, Sake's quality may depend on the brand, price, age, etc.

P.S. Isn't there a movie with William Holden about Hiroshima also?I'm not big on wine either, so maybe that's why I didn't like it. But then again I was in school, so maybe my adult taste buds weren't fully developed:p William Holden was in a lot of WWII films, but off the top of my head I can't think of one about Hiroshima.

[Captain Steel]

I'm not big on wine either, so maybe that's why I didn't like it. But then again I was in school, so maybe my adult taste buds weren't fully developed:p William Holden was in a lot of WWII films, but off the top of my head I can't think of one about Hiroshima.

I think I got mixed up - with Love Is A Many Splendored Thing (1955) - because it's set in Hong Kong. William Holden plays a married-but-separated American reporter who falls in love with a Eurasian doctor (played by Jennifer Jones) during China's Civil War in the late 1940's. Apparently the film deals with some interracial / international issues. (I've never seen it, only commercials for it, so I thought it was set in Hiroshima for some reason.) ;)

[Camo]

I watched Love Is A Many Splendored Thing for the 50's Countdown and really didn't like it. Couldn't tell you why tho, barely remember it.

[Captain Steel]

I watched Love Is A Many Splendored Thing for the 50's Countdown and really didn't like it. Couldn't tell you why tho, barely remember it.

Good to know. I've never really liked William Holden - I don't know why. I'm supposedly distantly related to him somehow, I think on my father's side. The weird thing is, even though I don't care for him, he's in some of my favorite war films (Bridge on the River Kwai, Stalag 17).

Always remember a line from Seinfeld (can't remember if it was George or Jerry who said it), but something about walking around in a bathrobe and having martinis in the afternoon... "Who am I, William Holden?" ;)

[Captain Steel]

Sorry - the line from Seinfeld was:

"Oh my god. An affair. It's so adult. It's like with stockings and martinis and William Holden. On the other hand, it probably wouldn't cost me any money."

- George, in "The Good Samaritan"

[Camo]

Sorry - the line from Seinfeld was:

"Oh my god. An affair. It's so adult. It's like with stockings and martinis and William Holden. On the other hand, it probably wouldn't cost me any money."

- George, in "The Good Samaritan"

haha. I was about to say the first line you said sounds like a Jerry one but yeah that's definitely George.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29864&stc=1&d=1492194505
Cinderella (2015)

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writer: Chris Weitz (screenplay)
Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden
Genre: Drama, Family, Fantasy

A retelling of the ages old folk story made popular by the Brothers Grimm in the 19th century. Though the actual story predates even the Grimm's. The story was first brought to film during the silent era. Modern audiences are most likely familiar with the classic animated Disney film Cinderella (1950). MGM got into the act with a comic live action version The Glass Slipper (1955). Even CBS TV followed suit with a live tele cast of Cinderella (1957) (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1203510#post1203510) featuring a young Julie Andrews. More movie versions of Cinderella followed.

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This 2015 Disney version of Cinderella is directed by Kenneth Branagh and gives more back story to Ella (later known in the movie as Cinder-Ella). Let me just say I liked it, it's a nice film...but this might not be the best version for smaller kids as we see Ella's mom die first, leaving her alone with her dad. Then we learn dad has died which crushes Ella and forces her to live with her evil step mom, Cate Blanchett.

If all of this loss wasn't enough we also see that the handsome Prince's father, the King, is dying. I'm not sure if small kids would appreciate the mental anguish of all this parental loss but it does give grist to the fable.

I really like the way Cinder-Ella was portrayed as a kind, gentle soul who could talk to animals and tried to see the good in everyone, despite the fact that life had handed her nothing but hardship. So hurray for Lily James, who made a fine Cinderella. I liked both the way the character was written and the way the actress portrayed her.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29865&stc=1&d=1492194513
Holliday Grainger, Cate Blanchett and Sophie McShera..make up the evil step family. I wish they had a bit more screen time as the 'torments' that Cinderella goes through help to make the end resolve all the more sweet.


As you would expect there's lots of comic tones, but luckily not slap stick comedy. The comic tones are lighter moments that can make one smile. And of course this is a CG heavy movie, but here the CG is welcomed.

It's a good film adaptation of the classic. If you like the story of Cinderella it is worth watching.

rating_3_5

[Captain Steel]

Rules, have you ever seen Cinderfella (1960)? :)

[Citizen Rules]

Rules, have you ever seen Cinderfella (1960)? :) Nope I haven't seen it. I'm not the biggest fan of Jerry Lewis. He's tolerable when paired with Dean Martin, probably because Deano is so darn cool. But mostly I avoid his films. But who knows I might end up watching it some day, have you seen it? Any good?

[SilentVamp]

So hurray for Lily James, who made a fine Cinderella. I liked both the way the character was written and the way the actress portrayed her.
I am going to have to tell somebody you said this to hear that person't reaction - which I anticipate it to be something good. I will have to tell you it later. :)

Also, how many of them are there in the film? You have to know what I mean! And how realistic do they look? I know they looked pretty disgusting in the commercials. Those creatures are the main reason that this will probably be the ONLY Kenneth Branagh film that I will never watch.

[Citizen Rules]

I am going to have to tell somebody you said this to hear that person't reaction - which I anticipate it to be something good. I will :phave to tell you it later. :)Ya, piqued my curiosity there:p

Also, how many of them are there in the film? You have to know what I mean! And how realistic do they look? I know they looked pretty disgusting in the commercials. Those creatures are the main reason that this will probably be the ONLY Kenneth Branagh film that I will never watch.Hmm, this is kind of cryptic:p But...I think I know what you mean...How many animals are transformed into humans? Two lizards and a goose. I though it was cute (and I don't normally use that word!) It was kind of magical and the trasmorphed animals look human (mostly) but not creepy.

The coach man does eat a fly with his lizard tongue! I thought that was more fun than disgusting, but I could see someone not liking that...So I can say there was only that one time it was shown and like a 2 second shot and that's it.

[Captain Steel]

Nope I haven't seen it. I'm not the biggest fan of Jerry Lewis. He's tolerable when paired with Dean Martin, probably because Deano is so darn cool. But mostly I avoid his films. But who knows I might end up watching it some day, have you seen it? Any good?

It's not my favorite Jerry Lewis movie, but it's also not my least favorite. It's the classic story with a few genders reversed - "Fella" has two evil step brothers instead of sisters (one of them played by the great stone-faced villain actor Henry Silva) and the lovable Ed Wynn plays his fairy god-father. Italian actress Anna Maria Alberghetti is fetching as "Princess Charming." It's got a few classic comedy bits in it, some music & dancing. Unlike the fairy tale the setting is not in ancient times, but contemporary (to 1960 anyway).

[Citizen Rules]

It's not my favorite Jerry Lewis movie, but it's also not my least favorite. It's the classic story with a few genders reversed - "Fella" has two evil step brothers instead of sisters (one of them played by the great stone-faced villain actor Henry Silva) and the lovable Ed Wynn plays his fairy god-father. Italian actress Anna Maria Alberghetti is fetching as "Princess Charming." It's got a few classic comedy bits in it, some music & dancing. Unlike the fairy tale the setting is not in ancient times, but contemporary (to 1960 anyway). Ed Wynn...that kicks up my interest a notch. He reminds me of my uncle, I always get a kick out of seeing him, Ed Wynn that is.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/6c/de/cf/6cdecf4d33daf2209a78d5de8d21a605.jpg


Henry Silva, I didn't recognize the name, so googled his image. Oh yea he's always the bad guy and I could see him being a really good evil step brother.

I'm more interested now! I'll add it to a list of Cinderella films to watch. Seriously I have the Cinderella bug now:p

[Captain Steel]

Ed Wynn...that kicks up my interest a notch. He reminds me of my uncle, I always get a kick out of seeing him, Ed Wynn that is.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/6c/de/cf/6cdecf4d33daf2209a78d5de8d21a605.jpg


Henry Silva, I didn't recognize the name, so googled his image. Oh yea he's always the bad guy and I could see him being a really good evil step brother.

I'm more interested now! I'll add it to a list of Cinderella films to watch. Seriously I have the Cinderella bug now:p

I just looked him up and I can't believe Henry Silva is still alive (he's 89). I thought he died back after he appeared in the Dick Tracy (1990) movie.

Also in Cinderfella, the wicked step-mother is played by Dame Judith Anderson -
this name sounded so familiar to me - now I know why: She was in a lot of old movies, but I know her name from playing the Vulcan High Priestess in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock!
And Count Basie and his orchestra appear providing music for the ball.

[Citizen Rules]

It sounded better all the time:D

[Citizen Rules]

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Sanshiro Sugata(Akira Kurosawa 1943)

Director: Akira Kurosawa
Writers: Akira Kurosawa, Tsuneo Tomita (novel)
Cast: Denjirô Ôkôchi, Susumu Fujita, Yukiko Todoroki
Genre: Historical Drama
Language: Japanese

Set in Japan 1882, an eager young man named Sugata, who's a strong fighter, wishes to find a master to learn martial arts. He seeks out the Jujutsu master to become his apprentice, but is rejected for his rash, uncontrolled behavior when the master spots him street fighting.

Instead he ends up following a master of Judo, an evil man who's the sworn enemy of the Jujutsu master. Complicating matters...the young Sugata falls in love with his rival's master daughter. A forbidden love that causes the two much emotional discord. In seeking to balance his heart with his head, Sugata learns self discipline, which is at the core of Japanese martial arts.

Sanshiro Sugata is the first film made by the legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. It was made in 1943, during WWII. War time Japanese film censors required scenes removed from the film and as a result 17 minutes is missing which makes for an uneven film....and yet Kurosawa's mastery can still be felt.

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I enjoyed it's simple, yet emotional story. I don't care for martial arts films, yet I liked this film as it balanced the marital arts with a human story of quiet determination and self control.

What I liked most was that the lead Sugata seemed to have a warm, open personality which I didn't expect in such a film. He's a nice guy who's the greatest Judo wrestler of the land. My favorite part was the romance scenes between him and his opponents daughter and the scenes with her father. Those scenes were quite touching and well done.

Not the greatest film made by Kurosawa, but still an important one.
rating_3

[Citizen Rules]

http://xahlee.org/Periodic_dosage_dir/skina/verba_tcadu/city_of_lost_children_054.jpg
The City of Lost Children (1995)

La cité des enfants perdus (original title)
Directors: Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Writers: Gilles Adrien, Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Cast: Ron Perlman, Daniel Emilfork, Judith Vittet
Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi
Language: French

About: An aging scientist in a dystopian surrealist society, who is unable to dream...kidnaps street children to steal their dreams in a hope of slowing his advance aging process.

Review: This is a French language film, but on the DVD it also has available an English dubbed version, which I watched. Dubbed version are usually pretty bad and not worth the time but this was done very well. I'm pretty sure Ron Pearlman did his own voice in English with a strong Russian accent, and it fit him. The little girl's vocal track matched up perfectly as far as I can tell, it sounded like her voice. Usually dubbed movies seem distracting, but either the actual actors dubbed this in English, or whoever did the voice acting and sound mixing deserves awards.

https://childrenoftheburningfist.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/city-of-lost-children-5.png


Ron Pearlman and the little girl had the best chemistry and I was rooting for them all the way. The little blonde boy who liked to eat sausage cracked me up. All around I thought this was really well done. I liked the twin evil ladies, the talking brain and the Captain Nemo guy who lived under the harbor.

At times some of the characters were overly zany, especially the clones... now I know why the French love Jerry Lewis movies, he would have been right at home here.

The sets were totally cool and the movie did something I love, world building. I believed that this alternative place could exist with all the outstanding characters. I still don't know if I understood all of the story, but that doesn't matter because it was a fun watch.

Visually, the sets and the cinematography are out of this world!

4

[re93animator]

Sanshiro Sugata(Akira Kurosawa 1943)


Cool. I like Kurosawa and I like Judo. Will keep my eye out.

[CENTER]
The City of Lost Children (1995)

4

I'm pretty sure Ron Perlman actually voiced his French dialogue. I think his character kind of talked with broken sentences like the Hulk, so it fit.

I loved this movie years ago. I still do, but it's been a while.

[Chypmunk]

Pretty much about the same rating from me for Kurosawa's debut - be interested to read your thoughts on the follow-up (Sanshiro Sugata pt ii) sometime if you get a chance.

[Citizen Rules]

Pretty much about the same rating from me for Kurosawa's debut - be interested to read your thoughts on the follow-up (Sanshiro Sugata pt ii) sometime if you get a chance.I haven't seen much of Kurosawa's work. I wonder if Sanshiro Sugata is the only film he made a sequel of?

[Chypmunk]

I haven't seen much of Kurosawa's work. I wonder if Sanshiro Sugata is the only film he made a sequel of?
I'm still yet to see some of his but as far as I know it is.

[Captain Steel]

I haven't seen much of Kurosawa's work. I wonder if Sanshiro Sugata is the only film he made a sequel of?

Have you seen his most famous, Rules... Seven Samurai (1954)?

(If I've asked this before, please forgive, and if you've reviewed it, I'd love to read it.)

[Citizen Rules]

Have you seen his most famous, Rules... Seven Samurai (1954)?

(If I've asked this before, please forgive, and if you've reviewed it, I'd love to read it.)
No, not yet. It's on my ever expanding list of 'movies too watch'. You even have you own little section on the list, (movies that you've recommended to me in the past).

My library just got one of those in Earth Vs The Flying Saucers. I'm pretty excited to see that one too.


From my movies to watch list
Capt:
Hitler's Children (1943)
Far Horizons (1955)
Bigger Than Life (1956) seen and reviewed...here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1657198#post1657198)
The Prestige seen and reviewed...here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1607815#post1607815)
Godzilla (1954)
Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956)
Cinderfella (1960)


I know you recommended other movies I've seen too.

[Gideon58]

http://xahlee.org/Periodic_dosage_dir/skina/verba_tcadu/city_of_lost_children_054.jpg
The City of Lost Children (1995)

La cité des enfants perdus (original title)
Directors: Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Writers: Gilles Adrien, Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Cast: Ron Perlman, Daniel Emilfork, Judith Vittet
Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi
Language: French




Enjoyed your review, Citizen, but you know how I feel about reading at the movies.

[Captain Steel]

No, not yet. It's on my ever expanding list of 'movies too watch'. You even have you own little section on the list, (movies that you've recommended to me in the past).

My library just got one of those in Earth Vs The Flying Saucers. I'm pretty excited to see that one too.


From my movies to watch list
Capt:
Hitler's Children (1943)
Far Horizons (1955)
Bigger Than Life (1956) seen and reviewed...here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1657198#post1657198)
The Prestige seen and reviewed...here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1607815#post1607815)
Godzilla (1954)
Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956)
Cinderfella (1960)


I know you recommended other movies I've seen too.

Only a couple things, Rules - I couldn't have recommended all of those as I haven't seen some: Far Horizons, Bigger Than Life, The Prestige. You must have accidently put other recommendations on the list of movies I've recommended. ;)

P.S. Seven Samurai is considered mandatory by most film aficionados who'd say it should go at the top of any list. It's one of those epic-length movies, but in this case it's worth it. I'd go along with those who call it a masterpiece (which is probably why it's been copied so many times). I've only seen it once - I need to see it again.

[Citizen Rules]

Enjoyed your review, Citizen, but you know how I feel about reading at the movies.Gideon, that movie The City of Lost Children is also available in English language. That's what I watched.

[Citizen Rules]

Only a couple things, Rules - I couldn't have recommended all of those as I haven't seen some: Far Horizons, Bigger Than Life, The Prestige. You must have accidently put other recommendations on the list of movies I've recommended. ;)

P.S. Seven Samurai is considered mandatory by most film aficionados who'd say it should go at the top of any list. It's one of those epic-length movies, but in this case it's worth it. I'd go along with those who call it a masterpiece (which is probably why it's been copied so many times). I've only seen it once - I need to see it again. Ha! I'm giving you more credit than is due;) Nah, just kidding, you've given me some great movie ideas in the past. I wish I could remember them all.

My movie watching list, is very disorganized. So I'm not surprised some of those movies weren't from you....and some of the movies you've recommended are listed under the director's name and not under Capt. I should probably manage my list a bit better:p

[Citizen Rules]

Captain did you recommend these movies to me? They had your name by them.

Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid...Gideon, Captain
Take The Money and Run (1969)...Captain
Little Nicky...Captain

[Captain Steel]

Well, enjoy Earth vs. the Flying Saucers - not sure if I recommended it or if we just talked about it.
The highlight is definitely the classic Harryhausen special effects. Haven't seen it in a long time, but just remember the stop-motion saucers destroying famous landmarks (which inspired many similar scenes in movies such as Independence Day).

[Captain Steel]

Captain did you recommend these movies to me? They had your name by them.

Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid...Gideon, Captain
Take The Money and Run (1969)...Captain
Little Nicky...Captain

I recommended all except Little Nicky. I may have talked about it, but I don't think I'd ever recommend an Adam Sandler movie (except for maybe Reign Over Me if you're in the mood for a sad film).

Little Nicky had a fun "son of Satan" premise and a few funny bits, but was typical Adam Sandler fare (and thus could have been a lot better).

[Citizen Rules]

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Lion (2016)

Director: Garth Davis
Writers: Saroo Brierley (novel 'A Long Way Home'), Luke Davies (screenplay)
Cast: Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara
Genre: Biography, Drama

About: Based on the true story of a 5 year old boy from a poor region of India. On a trip to the city with his older brother, he gets separated and ends up trapped on an empty train. When he finally is able to escape he's 800 miles away in Calcutta. Frightened and alone he seeks help, but finds only danger living on the dirty, crowded streets. Unable to communicate and tell others where he's from, he's mistaken for an orphan and adopted by an Australian couple where he lives happily for 25 years. Finally with the help of Google:rolleyes: he's able to find his hometown and seeks out his family.

Review: Pretty decent movie and I did enjoy it, the first act is powerful, but the second act with all the Google searching was boring and I guess that's why the movie poster has a Google search bar smack in the middle of it. Anyway that's just a pet peeve and doesn't figure into my review or rating of Lion.

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The first act...is about the 5 year old boy lost in the dirty and dangerous streets of Calcutta. Damn! that was powerful stuff and actually filmed there too. I wish the entire movie had been about the boys time in India, because the second act was weak.

The second act...now it's 25 years latter and the boy has grown up and become Dev Patel, who I really like as an actor BTW. Dev Patel did an amazing Australian accent, at least to my American ears. It's not his fault that the second act is a boggled mess that' suppose to show the viewer how searching for his family in India has consumed him. Everything is just sort of glazed over and we get a little bit of this and that, but not much of anything deep.

The third act...should be the big pay off, when we see Dev Patel back in India searching for his family. But this part went way too fast. He arrives in India, and boom, the movie is over. I wanted more.

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The actors...Well if you actually read my review;) you already know I like Dev Patel as an actor. I first saw him in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). He's good here too, but doesn't get much to work with.

Nicole Kidman...why do we need her in this film. Probably for the same reason we need Google, money. She's one of the biggest names in film and will draw a crowd. She's fine too, I usually like her, but...just seeing her breaks the illusion of a true life story. She looked hideous in her poodle dog wig BTW.

Rooney Mara...who cares, she didn't do anything interesting in this movie. Perhaps she's a great actress, I guess I'll have to catch her in another movie to find out for sure.

Sunny Pawar...he plays the lost 5 year old boy. And boy! can this little kid act! IMDB didn't see fit to include his name in the 'Stars' at the top of the Lion movie page, but I corrected that and gave him the credit he deserved.

That's it, that's my review.

rating_3

[seanc]

I hate the poster too but what does that have to do with the movie? They can give away Patel toys in happy meals for all I care.

The first act is the strongest but I don't think it loses as much going forward as you do. I gave it a 3.5.

[Citizen Rules]

I hate the poster too but what does that have to do with the movie? They can give away Patel toys in happy meals for all I care.

The first act is the strongest but I don't think it loses as much going forward as you do. I gave it a 3.5. I didn't ding it for the post or even for the Google stuff. What was just my rant. During the first act I thought it might be a 4 or even a 4.5 movie but the second act took it down. And the third act was done well but just too short. I wanted to see him searching for awhile longer in India.

[Swan]

Come on guys, Dev Patel has a rare condition called Googleface. Don't be mean.

[seanc]

I didn't ding it for the post or even for the Google stuff. What was just my rant. During the first act I thought it might be a 4 or even a 4.5 movie but the second act took it down. And the third act was done well but just too short. I wanted to see him searching for awhile longer in India.

I definitely agree with that. I was pretty shocked at how well it was shot though. I really liked the score as well.

[Citizen Rules]

Now that you mention it, the score was powerful. It gave me goose bumps during the first act. I don't have the words to describe what the sound was like, but it felt ominous and foreboding.

Yeah, it was shot quite nicely too. Oh and I was touched by the end scene of course. I just thought he might be in India struggling to find his family for a few minutes more, even 5 minutes more, would have made the final scene all the more sweetly rewarding. But I did like the film, it's one of the better 2016 films I've seen.

[seanc]

Now that you mention it, the score was powerful. It gave me goose bumps during the first act. I don't have the words to describe what the sound was like, but it felt ominous and foreboding.

Yeah, it was shot quite nicely too. Oh and I was touched by the end scene of course. I just thought he might be in India struggling to find his family for a few minutes more, even 5 minutes more, would have made the final scene all the more sweetly rewarding. But I did like the film, it's one of the better 2016 films I've seen.

Yeah, I was thinking after I watched it that they didn't give us a good sense of how consuming his research was. Mara mentions it a couple times but I never felt the weight of it. I think that goes along with what you are saying about it being rushed in the last third.

[Citizen Rules]

Yeah, I was thinking after I watched it that they didn't give us a good sense of how consuming his research was. Mara mentions it a couple times but I never felt the weight of it. I think that goes along with what you are saying about it being rushed in the last third.
Yup, we're on the same wave length:p

[CosmicRunaway]

Boring is a good word to describe this film. There's scarcely 90 minutes with of story stretched out to almost 3 hours. I love a movie that takes it's time to tell it's story, but this is ridiculous.
I tried to watch Silence before voting in the 2016 MoFo Film Awards and I just couldn't sit through it. I don't recall how far into the film I made it, but when I saw how much was still left, I turned it off. It joins Cell (2016) and Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter as being the only three movies (in recent memory) that I didn't manage to finish.

[Joel]

Lion (2016)

Director: Garth Davis
Writers: Saroo Brierley (novel 'A Long Way Home'), Luke Davies (screenplay)
Cast: Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara
Genre: Biography, Drama


[B]Review: Pretty decent movie, the :rolleyes: is for the prominent product placement of the Google search bar in the movie poster AND in many of the scenes. OK product placement has been done for a long time, but if I'm going to take a movie as serious art, then plastering Google over the movie poster is a big no-no.

...should be the big pay off, when we see Dev Patel back in India searching for his family. But this part went way too fast. He arrives in India, and boom, the movie is over. I wanted more.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29911&stc=1&d=1492480722




Nicole Kidman...why do we need her in this film. Probably for the same reason we need Google, money. She's one of the biggest names in film and will draw a crowd. She's fine too, I usually like her, but...just seeing her breaks the illusion of a true life story. She looked hideous in her poodle dog wig BTW.
[I][B]


That's it, that's my review.

rating_3

Thanks for the warning. I'll probably avoid it. Dario Argento is a brilliant stylist but once he shows a heart being stabbed in close-up, it's all over for me. So, showing a google bar on the poster and throughout a film is huge no-no for me, too.

[Citizen Rules]

I tried to watch Silence before voting in the 2016 MoFo Film Awards and I just couldn't sit through it. I don't recall how far into the film I made it, but when I saw how much was still left, I turned it off. It joins Cell (2016) and Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter as being the only three movies (in recent memory) that I didn't manage to finish.I thought about shutting off Silence, but I had waited such a long time to watch it, that I finished it. I was bored though.

Thanks for the warning. I'll probably avoid it. Dario Argento is a brilliant stylist but once he shows a heart being stabbed in close-up, it's all over for me. So, showing a google bar on the poster and throughout a film is huge no-no for me, too.Joel, I wasn't trashing the movie, there's a lot to like about it. I just wished the second and third act could have been as strong as the first act. The Google bar on the poster is just a pet peeve, like I told Sean, I didn't ding the movie for that. It's basically a pretty decent film, that could have been really great.

[cricket]

Boy that is a terrible look on Kidman. I'll be watching Lion in the next couple of weeks anyway.

[Gideon58]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29864&stc=1&d=1492194505
Cinderella (2015)

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writer: Chris Weitz (screenplay)
Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden
Genre: Drama, Family, Fantasy



Have a feeling that Blanchett might make this one worth checking out.

[Citizen Rules]

Have a feeling that Blanchett might make Cinderella worth checking out.He has a unique take on the old fairy tale. I think you would like it. I also think you would really like Lion (2016).

[Gideon58]

He has a unique take on the old fairy tale. I think you would like it. I also think you would really like Lion (2016).

I will probably get to Lion at some point, despite my Dev Patel issues...something about him bothers me.

[Citizen Rules]

I will probably get to Lion at some point, despite my Dev Patel issues...something about him bothers me. The entire first part of the story focuses on the 5 year old boy, that's the best part of the film.

[Citizen Rules]

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The Founder (2016)

Director: John Lee Hancock
Writer: Robert D. Siegel (as Robert Siegel)
Cast: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch
Genre: Biography, Drama, History

About: The founder of McDonalds fast food restaurants, Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) and his less than ethical business practices that allowed him to build a hamburger empire.

"Persitance! Nothing in this world can take the place of good old persistence. Talent won't. Nothing's more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius won't. Unrecognized genius is practically a cliche. Education won't. Why the world is full of educated fools. Persistence and determination alone are all powerful." Ray Kroc

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Review: Persistence! that's what Ray Kroc has got! McDonalds franchise is what he wants! Oh, he gets it all right! every one knows what the Golden Arches is and that's thanks to Ray.

The Founder (2016)...shows us just how Ray connived his way into a successful but small hamburger stand ran by two simple brothers, The McDonalds...and in the process built an empire and the worlds most recognized restaurant chain.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29943&stc=1&d=1492827627


Trivia:
The original McDonalds, as depicted in the film, is actually located at 1398 North E St., San Bernardino, CA 92405 and is now a McDonalds museum. The oldest remaining Golden Arches-styled McDonalds (1953) is still in operation at 10207 Lakewood Blvd., Downey, California 90241.

I dug this movie! It was done in biography-documentary style and gave us a good look at that start of McDonalds. Michael Keaton is perfect as the fast talking, will not take no for an answer, milk shake salesman who stumbles upon an idea and strikes a bargain with Mac and Dick McDonald. He then precedes to take advantage of them at every turn, until he finally has stolen, legally of course, their very idea for a fast food restaurant and of course the name.

I loved all the vintage 1950s McDonalds restaurants that were special constructed for the movie. It was a sweet treat to see the inner workings of these early forerunners of today, McDonalds and how the assembly line strategy first took hold.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29944&stc=1&d=1492827634
Not only is Ray Kroc ruthless in business, he's ruthless in marriage too. He ditches his wife (Laura Dern) for a young beauty who's already married to a business associate. Does that stop Ray?


The movie gripped me and held my attention from the get go. I felt like I was there back in the mid 1950's and along for the ride as Ray Kroc does his thing....Fries anyone?

rating_4_5

[Citizen Rules]

Wow, no responses to The Founder? Haven't you guys ever ate at McDonald's¯\_(ツ)_/¯...I'd call The Founder one of the best films I've seen from 2016 and I've seen 32 movies from 2016 so far....anyway if you get a chance to watch it, you might be surprised.

[Citizen Rules]

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To Catch a Thief (Hitchcock, 1955)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writers: John Michael Hayes(screenplay), David Dodge(novel)
Cast: Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Romance

About: A retired jewelry thief is accused of a string of daring jewelry robberies in Nice, France. To prove his innocence he must capture the real cat burglar.

Review: This is a more straight forward, mystery-romance-drama story than is usual for Hitch in his later American made movie years. Its strength is the beautiful cinematography, shot on location in Nice France and at Monte Carlo. It doesn't get as much notice as some of his Hitch's masterpieces, but none the less...this is a well made, enjoyable film...that's interesting at every turn of the winding road.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29955&stc=1&d=1492912531
Hitch, the ever present master of composition and lighting, speaks volumes with how this shot is lit. Can you tell which actor the emphasis is on?

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Cary Grant came out of retirement to make one more movie, To Catch A Thief. He had felt his acting style was no longer relevant with the new batch of method actors like Marlon Brando and James Dean. Cary was wrong, even today his unique acting style is appreciated. The American Film Institute list him as the second greatest actor of all time. Not to shabby for someone who wanted to hang up his acting shoes.

Luckily for us Cary Grant went on to make 11 more movies, finally retiring in 1966. Cary made four films with Hitchcock: Suspicion (1941), Notorious (1946), To Catch a Thief (1955), North by Northwest (1959).

Here in To Catch a Thief, Cary plays a much different role than we're use to seeing. He's more subdued, more serious. Gone are the lighter comic moments and the self deprecating humor that he was famous for. It might be the script, or maybe Cary made a conscious decision to play this more serious. What ever the case, it's nice to see Cary Grant carousing with the beauties in the south of France.

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Grace Kelly, made only 11 feature films before retiring to marry Prince Rainer in 1956, becoming the Princess of Monaco. This was Hollywood's loss as Grace was quite popular at the time that she quit acting. Hitch had wanted her to take the lead in Marnie (1964). In a personal letter to Hitch, Grace spoke of how much she missed acting and wanted to do Marnie, but couldn't because of her responsibilities to her family and her new country. One gets the sense that her fairy tale life in Monaco was somewhat lonely and she longed to work in movies.

Grace made three films with Hitchcock: Dial M for Murder (1954), Rear Window (1954), To Catch a Thief (1955).

Grace Kelly was Hitchcock's favorite 'cool blonde' leading actress. Both Hitch and his wife adored her and spent time with Grace on and off the set. Had she not left acting, no doubt she would have made more films with Hitch.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29954&stc=1&d=1492912522

To Catch A Thief, is not my favorite Hitch film, nor is it my favorite movie with Cary Grant or Grace Kelly...but it's a solid film, that's a visual treat and a joy to watch.

rating_3_5++


.

[gbgoodies]

Wow, no responses to The Founder? Haven't you guys ever ate at McDonald's¯\_(ツ)_/¯...I'd call The Founder one of the best films I've seen from 2016 and I've seen 32 movies from 2016 so far....anyway if you get a chance to watch it, you might be surprised.


I haven't seen The Founder yet, but I've eaten at McD's more times than I can remember. In fact, we ate there last night, and once again, they screwed up our order. I don't know how they stay in business when they can't get a simple cheeseburger and chocolate shake right. :rolleyes:

[Citizen Rules]

I haven't seen The Founder yet, but I've eaten at McD's more times than I can remember. In fact, we ate there last night, and once again, they screwed up our order. I don't know how they stay in business when they can't get a simple cheeseburger and chocolate shake right. :rolleyes:How did they screw up the order? Did you make a special request?

[gbgoodies]

How did they screw up the order? Did you make a special request?


The cheeseburger was ordered "No onions", but it came loaded with onions, and the chocolate shake came out looking like it was chocolate and vanilla horizontal stripes. They fixed the cheeseburger properly, but they tried to fix the shake by adding more chocolate syrup and mixing it, but they mixed it so much that it came out like chocolate milk, instead of a thick shake. When I complained again about the shake, they finally admitted that the shake machine was broken, and they gave me my money back for the whole order, (including Hubby's order that came out right).

[Citizen Rules]

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Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1942)


Director: Michael Curtiz
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Genre: Drama, Romance, War

About: During the early days of World War II in Casablanca, a jaded American expatriate runs into his former girlfriend, who is seeking escape from the Nazis along with her husband.

Review: I love that photo of Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) as to me, it encapsulates the movie's emotions. This is a film about bitterness and what it can do to a man. Rick is jaded, he's turned his back on humanity...as he puts it, "I stick my neck out for nobody!" And he means it. People come to this nowhere place in the North African desert, seeking escape from the Nazis...but Rick and the movers and shakers of Casablanca don't care who lives or dies, to them it's all about profit.

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But we know Rick wasn't always this way. He had previously risked his neck to help supply guns to Ethiopia and to keep if from slipping into the hands of Fascist. And he did the same thing in Spain, fighting on the Loyalist side. But the loss of a woman's love who jilted him in Paris, turned a teary eyed man, bitter cold.

That's why I love this movie so much it deals with deep emotions, and it deals with redemption. Rick needs redemption and that's why his old flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman)shows up at his gin joint.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29985&stc=1&d=1492977477


Casablanca is not only a classic, it's a fine movie, that does world building, multi story layering and complex characters extremely well. And besides memorable performances by it's lead actors: Bogart and Bergman and of course Claude Rains, there's also a strong cast of supporting actors: Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, S.Z. Sakall, all who add multi layered depth to the film.

rating_5


.

[MovieMeditation]

One of my all time favourites! And you describe a lot of the reasons why, CR... awesome you also love it :up:

[Citizen Rules]

One of my all time favourites! And you describe a lot of the reasons why, CR... awesome you also love it :up:But of course! I'm a big Bogart fan, I can't really think of any of his movies I hate. Have you seen many of his films?

[Ms. M]

One of the best movies ever. I've read that Bogart wasn't as tall as Bergman and he wore cothurnus shoes, when they was making the film.
"Play it again, Sam":)

[Captain Steel]

Wow, no responses to The Founder? Haven't you guys ever ate at McDonald's¯\_(ツ)_/¯...I'd call The Founder one of the best films I've seen from 2016 and I've seen 32 movies from 2016 so far....anyway if you get a chance to watch it, you might be surprised.

You sold me, Rules. At first glance it might be a movie I'd avoid, but I do tend to like real-life-based historical films, and this sounds really interesting.
I have slight reservations about Michael Keaton ever since Birdman, but I just have to remember that he worked the Night Shift, he was Mr. Mom, Beetlejuice, on the Dream Team and Batman! ;)

[MovieMeditation]

But of course! I'm a big Bogart fan, I can't really think of any of his movies I hate. Have you seen many of his films?
I can't say I have. And that's weird because I love him as well. From what I've seen at least. He's got such a great presence about him and you can't beat that voice! I love Jimmy Stewart more out of the old classic actors, but he also got a funny voice. Guess I got a thing for that then. :p

[Gideon58]

One of the best movies ever. I've read that Bogart wasn't as tall as Bergman and he wore cothurnus shoes, when they was making the film.
"Play it again, Sam":)

You are aware that line is never actually said in the film? I believe Bogey tells Dooley Wilson, "You played it for her, you can play it for me...play it."

[mark f]

Yep. Ingrid tells Dooley, "Play it, Sam. Play "As Time Goes By"."

[Citizen Rules]

You sold me, Rules. At first glance it might be a movie I'd avoid, but I do tend to like real-life-based historical films, and this sounds really interesting.
I have slight reservations about Michael Keaton ever since Birdman, but I just have to remember that he worked the Night Shift, he was Mr. Mom, Beetlejuice, on the Dream Team and Batman! ;)Captain, I really think you will like The Founder. It's not like Birdman:eek: Let me know if you watch it.

[Ms. M]

You are aware that line is never actually said in the film? I believe Bogey tells Dooley Wilson, "You played it for her, you can play it for me...play it."

Hm, I wasn't aware of that. This quote is so much associated with the movie, that I was convinced it is exactly this line. Good to know, thanks:)

[Gideon58]

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Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1942)




I'm not sure why, but I have put off watching this film for years, but your review is making me re-think that.

[Citizen Rules]

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Barbara (2012)

Director: Christian Petzold
Cast: Nina Hoss, Ronald Zehrfeld, Rainer Bock
Genre: Drama
Language: German

About: Barbara (Nina Hoss), is a doctor in communist East German during the 1980's. After she files an official request to leave communist East Germany, she's arrested and 'detained' as a subversive. After her release, she's sent to a small rural hospital to continue working as a doctor. Meanwhile the Stasi secret police, bug her apartment and follow her movements...subjugating her to strip searches to keep her in line.

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Review: I was engrossed in the story and captivate by the realistic view it gave me into this woman's life in communist East Germany 1980. The movie felt very real to me, in fact it didn't seem like a movie at all, which is a good thing. It felt as if I was watching real people, in a real place and seeing them going about their daily lives.

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Barbara felt like a real person and not an actress playing a character, and that's high praise. I liked the actress too, she was excellent. The movie itself was shot subdued style, with naturalistic cinematography, that worked very well.

I liked the way all the elements of the film fit together to give us an emotionally subdued film, that gave a feeling of cold repression, where hope is bleak...but not all together forgotten.

4.5

.

[Citizen Rules]

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The Man from Nowhere (2010)

Ajeossi (original title)
Director: Jeong-beom Lee
Writer: Jeong-beom Lee
Cast: Bin Won, Sae-ron Kim, Tae-hoon Kim
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Language: Korean

About: A seemingly mild mannered pawnshop keeper has a run in with a gang of drug trafficking thugs, that are connected to an even more violent gang of human organ traffickers. To make matters worse the pawnshop keeper's friend, a small girl is captured by the bad guys.

Review: I first started watching this with the optional DVD English dubs. Big mistake!

With English dubs, the opening action scene, seemed comical. It reminded me of the early Spaghetti Westerns, with their flat and odd way of talking. It's very hard for a voice actor to capture the intensity of the real actor in the movie. The dubs felt like a bad pantomime. To make the effect worse, there were no accents at all! Ugh...

So after 8 minutes of this, I switched over to the original Korean language with English sub titles. I did that during the scene with the little girl and the pawnshop keeper as they eat at a table.

As soon as I switched it over to Korean, I warmed up to the characters, especially the little girl who was sympathetic. Anyway that was a good experiment between dubs vs subs.

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If you love, non-stop action with an ultra-cool, mysterious Chinese James Bond type, you'll be in heaven. Especially if you like twists and turns at every corner with lots of fighting and martial arts!....Unfortunately that's everything I hate in a movie.

The movie is ultra violent with graphic scenes of torture, not my thing!
I did however like the bad guy who looked like Zulu from the original Star Trek (George Takei). He was the crazy one.

The Man From Nowhere was well made and looked great, but nothing that I liked personally. I did enjoy the first 30 minutes with the pawn keeper and the little girl.

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After the pawn keeper cuts his hair, he lost some intensity. Still I think he was a good actor, but after the dance club scenes and endless twists and turns, I got burnt out. Sure I liked the revenge on the brother of the organ harvesting guy. The nail gun bit was actually good. But when he finally walks into confront the head guy and he's standing in a room with like 15 henchmen and it turns into a big old martial arts fight, I lost interest. But others would probably love that sort of thing.

rating_3

[cricket]

I'm not sure why, but I have put off watching this film for years, but your review is making me re-think that.

You must see it right NOW!

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30003&stc=1&d=1493087381U Turn (Oliver Stone, 1997)

Director: Oliver Stone
Writers: John Ridley (screenplay), John Ridley (novel)
Cast: Sean Penn, Jennifer Lopez, Nick Nolte, Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Voight
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

About: A man (Sean Penn) driving to Vegas to pay his gambling debts off before the Russian mafia can get to him, takes a U turn into the wrong town. After his 1965 Mustang convertible breaks down he's forced to stop in a small town, where the odd characters who live there interact with him in ways he could have never dreamed of. As a result everything than can go wrong does.

Review: I thought I might really like this, and after the first few scenes I started getting into it...I do think Oliver Stone owes Quentin Tarantino a royalty check, this movie was like Pulp Fiction Part II in the way it was edited and filled with quirky characters speaking deeply irrelevant lines. Still I was liking it, as it was like a updated version of The Twilight Zone.

Sean Penn is excellent. IMO he's the best actor working today. He might not be my favorite to watch, but I can't think of anybody who has the acting range he does. Jennifer Lopez, sure she was decent too, better than I would have expected. I can't really complain about any of the actors, they were all quite colorful.

I liked the Mustang too, very cool. I use to own a 1969 Red Mustang convertible, so that was fun to see. Though it pissed me off to see Billy Bob Thornton scratch the hood with a cry bar.

My favorite character was John Voight as the blind Indian. Favorite scene was when Sean Penn beat the crap out of Joaquin Phoenix AND smacked annoying Claire Danes (her character is annoying, not her.)

But the movie started to get repetitive after about an hour, and it drained me...I just wanted it to be over. Towards the end I didn't care who killed who.

rating_3_5-

[Gideon58]

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The Founder (2016)

Director: John Lee Hancock
Writer: Robert D. Siegel (as Robert Siegel)
Cast: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch
Genre: Biography, Drama, History



This looks fantastic...I love Michael Keaton...adding it to my watchlist.

[Citizen Rules]

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Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Writers: Alfonso Cuarón, Carlos Cuarón
Cast: Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Language: Spanish

About: Two sex crazed teenage boys who take a road trip in Mexico with an attractive older woman and discover life along the way.

Review: Where do I start?....there's a lot I loved about this film and a lot I didn't. I'll start with the bad news first, as it's always good to end on a positive note.

The two guys Julio and Tenoch were annoying dumb asses. I felt like I was watching 14 years old. Which made the first part of the film seem like a Mexican version of Jackass The Movie...And yes, I know they're portrayed that way deliberately, so that the director can set up the last shot which shows the coming of age scene in the cafe, where they're much more mature and serious. Still, they were hyperbolic and grated on my nerves.

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But when Luisa enters the picture the movie went up a notch for me. She made the film poignant and I felt for her character. Especially when she first gets the phone call from her husband and he tells her that he's cheated, she's so torn up, that you can see the pain on her face. Which later in the film is kind of odd, as she says she knew he had been cheating on her and multiple times. I guess hearing it was harder than knowing it for her, or maybe it's because she knew something that we won't know until the end. Luisa on the phone was a powerful scene and she's a fine actresses for sure.

I loved the you-are-there cinematography, as it was like we were along for the ride in the Mexican countryside. Some road trip movies short change the viewer as we don't really get to see much of the road trip, but here we get to see a lot of amazing scenes in Mexico. Which I enjoyed as it reminded me of vacations I took there.

And yea, it looked like that too, well except for all the swimming pool diving board scene, I could have done with out that.

Sometimes the voice over narration added interesting stuff like the story behind the road side cross marking an accident which involved dead chickens and fatalities. I think that was important as it showed that while the guys were goofing around, life was a serious business with death right outside of their car window. That's a theme that will come back at the end of the film too.

There's lots of little bits of life in this film that we usually don't see, like the wedding party with a horse vaquero show and the dead pedestrian that marks the start of their journey. And the pigs on the beach! I don't know why but seeing them and hearing their story was cool All those little bits tie into the theme of life and death, so the director is very skilled and created an artistic film here.

This will be a hit or miss film with movie fans.
rating_3_5

[re93animator]

attachmentid=30003&stc=1&d=1493087381[/IMG]U Turn (Oliver Stone, 1997)

Director: Oliver Stone
Writers: John Ridley (screenplay), John Ridley (novel)
Cast: Sean Penn, Jennifer Lopez, Nick Nolte, Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Voight
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller


Cool. I think U-Turn might be my favorite from Stone. Quirky desert movies are a nuanced taste of mine. I can understand how the style could wear on you after a while though. I actually don't think it's that Tarantino-esque either. At least, not compared to myriad other 90s crime flicks.

[Citizen Rules]

Cool. I think U-Turn might be my favorite from Stone. Quirky desert movies are a nuanced taste of mine.... I like quirky desert movies too. There's something about the isolation and oddness of the desert that makes movies set there fun...Do you have any quirky desert movies to recommend?

[Camo]

Still glad that you liked Y Tu Mama and i understand your problems with it even if i don't agree. I don't agree with your last sentence though, every movie is hit or miss obviously but i don't think Y Tu Mama is a special case i.e that indicates that it will overall get mixed reactions with just as much disliking as liking it. I really don't think it is one of those films even for more casual viewers, the vast majority of the people i've spoke to at least liked it and i don't think there was a single person in that hall of fame that disliked it. Was there? I might be forgetting someone.

[Citizen Rules]

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Midnight Run (1988)

Director: Martin Brest
Writer: George Gallo
Cast: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime

About: An accountant for the mob who jumps bail and is being chased by bounty hunters, the FBI...and the Mafia as well.

Review: Robert De Niro was likeable and funny. I haven't seen any of his big films (Taxi Driver, Godfather, Raging Bull, etc). I mostly know him from Meet The Fockers, so it was interesting to see him so young.

Charles Grodin, I've never liked him. I remember watching him on Late Night TV shows being interviewed and he's just as annoying off screen as he is on.

My favorite characters/actors were the big FBI guy who was pissed at De Niro, and the two Mafia hitmen who couldn't do anything right.

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What stayed with me the most was some of the little nuances:

I thought it pretty interesting that when De Niro visits his ex wife's house, both him and Grodin wipe their feet before entering. I don't know why that was impressive, but I haven't seen that much in movies...or real life come to think of it.

The other interesting thing was the $1000 dollar bills. Has anybody seen one of those in person? They used to make them, but haven't in the longest time.

Oh and I liked seeing Sedona in Arizona as I've been there. I know no one cares but somehow it's fun to spot places in movies you've actually been. I think this would have been a more entertaining movie with 30 minutes trimmed out, there's just not enough in the story for a full two hours

If you're a fan of Robert DeNiro in lighter roles and you can stomach Charles Grodin, this one might be for you.

rating_2_5

[Camo]

I like quirky desert movies too. There's something about the isolation and oddness of the desert that makes movies set there fun...Do you have any quirky desert movies to recommend?

Paris, Texas. Don't think that's exactly right but you should watch it anyway haha. It's from Wim Wenders who also directed Wings of Desire; Cosmics nom in the 13th. Those two aren't that similar though so if you don't like Wings of Desire you should see it anyway, Harry Dean Stanton is amazing in it.

[gbgoodies]

It's been many years since I saw Midnight Run, but I remember it being a fun movie. I'm the opposite of you with the two main stars. I'm not a big fan of Robert De Niro, but I like Charles Grodin.

[Camo]

Damn, i forgot about you not liking Midnight Run. You were miserable that Hall of Fame :laugh: What was your list out of interest if you still have/know it?

[Citizen Rules]

Still glad that you liked Y Tu Mama and i understand your problems with it even if i don't agree. I don't agree with your last sentence though, every movie is hit or miss obviously but i don't think Y Tu Mama is a special case i.e that indicates that it will overall get mixed reactions with just as much disliking as liking it. I really don't think it is one of those films even for more casual viewers, the vast majority of the people i've spoke to at least liked it and i don't think there was a single person in that hall of fame that disliked it. Was there? I might be forgetting someone.I think most in the Hof liked it. I could have really liked it, if some of the sex stuff and the over rambunctious teens had been toned back.

[Citizen Rules]

Damn, i forgot about you not liking Midnight Run. You were miserable that Hall of Fame :laugh: What was your list out of interest if you still have/know it?Ha! yes I was:p I'm liking the films in the 13th much, much better.

[Citizen Rules]

It's been many years since I saw Midnight Run, but I remember it being a fun movie. I'm the opposite of you with the two main stars. I'm not a big fan of Robert De Niro, but I like Charles Grodin.Oh god! Charles Grodin is annoying.

[gbgoodies]

Oh god! Charles Grodin is annoying.


I don't find him annoying. He usually plays the "lovable loser". I loved him in Seems Like Old Times.

[Camo]

I think most in the Hof liked it. I could have really liked it, if some of the sex stuff and the over rambunctious teens had been toned back.

Do you have a general problem with sex depicted in film? I mean if there's a graphic sex scene does that automatically take your appreciation down? Just wondering. The sex was necessary it played a major part in the plot in building the jealousy and resentment between both and the threesome scene was just amazing; not in a sexual sense just in how much of an explosion of emotions it was, watching that the on the second watch was so dark and intense.

My main gripe with your comment there was the hit or miss part, as i said every film is hit or miss to some degree but i don't think Y Tu Mama is in any notable way, actually in my experience it has been nearly unanimously liked by everyone i've rec'd it to.

[Captain Steel]

I wrote somewhere on this site a while back about re-watching Midnight Run. It was a movie I really liked when I first saw it in the theater, but for some reason, it didn't seem to age well with a re-watch (or maybe I was just in a lighter mood in the 80's).

I agree with gbg, I've always liked Charles Grodin's deadpan affect. I caught him not long ago in Catch 22, he's pretty good in The Heartbreak Kid, but one of my favorite roles of his was as Steve Martin's friend in The Lonely Guy.

Don't know if this is unfortunate or fortunate, but I've never seen a single Beethoven movie (the ones about the dog with Charles Grodin). Can anyone say if they are worth checking out?

[gbgoodies]

I wrote somewhere on this site a while back about re-watching Midnight Run. It was a movie I really liked when I first saw it in the theater, but for some reason, it didn't seem to age well with a re-watch (or maybe I was just in a lighter mood in the 80's).

I agree with gbg, I've always liked Charles Grodin's deadpan affect. I caught him not long ago in Catch 22, he's pretty good in The Heartbreak Kid, but one of my favorite roles of his was as Steve Martin's friend in The Lonely Guy.

Don't know if this is unfortunate or fortunate, but I've never seen a single Beethoven movie (the ones about the dog with Charles Grodin). Can anyone say if they are worth checking out?


I have a DVD set with either 4 or 5 of the Beethoven movies, but I haven't watched them yet. (I'll get around to them someday. :shrug:)

[Captain Steel]

Rules, going by the list of DeNiro films you've seen have you also seen:

The King of Comedy (1982) = which is as brilliant as it is quirky
Brazil (1985) = a somewhat strange role in a strangely wonderful movie
The Untouchables (1987) = he plays Al Capone
Awakenings (1990) = highly recommended true story!
Goodfellas (1990) = the classic "lighter" mob movie & alternative to the Godfather
A Bronx Tale (1993) = great movie with DeNiro as a concerned father trying to keep his son away from crime
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994) = not necessarily recommended, but oddly cast as the monster
Flawless (1999) = as a conservative stroke victim who gets therapy from a flamboyant transvestite (Philip Seymour Hoffman)

[Captain Steel]

I have a DVD set with either 4 or 5 of the Beethoven movies, but I haven't watched them yet. (I'll get around to them someday. :shrug:)

And a couple other notable Grodin roles - he plays Dave's friend in the movie Dave (1993). Not an earthshaking film, but a memorable comedy about a Presidential impersonator who actually has to take the place of the real President (probably more poignant now if watched during the Trump administration).

And how could I forget that Grodin was one of the ghosts in Heart and Souls (1993)? A personal favorite!

[gbgoodies]

And a couple other notable Grodin roles - he plays Dave's friend in the movie Dave (1993). Not an earthshaking film, but a memorable comedy about a Presidential impersonator who actually has to take the place of the real President (probably more poignant now if watched during the Trump administration).

And how could I forget that Grodin was one of the ghosts in Heart and Souls (1993)? A personal favorite!


Dave and Heart and Souls are both great movies. I also liked him in Heaven Can Wait (1978).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65eOaOTeyng

[re93animator]

I like quirky desert movies too. There's something about the isolation and oddness of the desert that makes movies set there fun...Do you have any quirky desert movies to recommend?

Red Rock West (awesome; best companion to UTurn I think), Bad Day at Black Rock, Highway to Hell (fantasy), Wake in Fright, and Fear & Loathing in LV if you haven't seen it. There's also Dust Devil, but that's a darker kind of quirk maybe. Clay Pigeons and Nature of the Beast sort of fit the bill, but they're just decent IMO.

Kill Me Again looks interesting, but I haven't watched it yet.

[Chypmunk]

I like quirky desert movies too. There's something about the isolation and oddness of the desert that makes movies set there fun...Do you have any quirky desert movies to recommend?
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a fun watch :)
Walkabout is a great film too but not so fun.

[Gideon58]

And a couple other notable Grodin roles - he plays Dave's friend in the movie Dave (1993). Not an earthshaking film, but a memorable comedy about a Presidential impersonator who actually has to take the place of the real President (probably more poignant now if watched during the Trump administration).

And how could I forget that Grodin was one of the ghosts in Heart and Souls (1993)? A personal favorite!

If you want to see a beautifully understated performance from Grodin that still garners big laughs, check out the Steve Martin comedy The Lonely Guy.

[Gideon58]

Rules, going by the list of DeNiro films you've seen have you also seen:

The King of Comedy (1982) = which is as brilliant as it is quirky
:D:D:D:D:D

[Gideon58]

It's been many years since I saw Midnight Run, but I remember it being a fun movie. I'm the opposite of you with the two main stars. I'm not a big fan of Robert De Niro, but I like Charles Grodin.


LOVE Midnight Run....great action comedy with great re-watch appeal and a surprising chemistry between the stars.

[Captain Steel]

If you want to see a beautifully understated performance from Grodin that still garners big laughs, check out the Steve Martin comedy The Lonely Guy.

From a few posts back:
I agree with gbg, I've always liked Charles Grodin's deadpan affect. I caught him not long ago in Catch 22, he's pretty good in The Heartbreak Kid, but one of my favorite roles of his was as Steve Martin's friend in The Lonely Guy.
;)

[Citizen Rules]

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LA LA LAND (2016)

Director: Damien Chazelle
Writer: Damien Chazelle Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
Genre: Musical Drama Romance

La La Land should have won the Oscar for Best Picture. It's one of the freshest ideas for a movie that I've seen in a long time...and it does everything right!

Director/Writer Damien Chazelle really gets the feeling of a classic 1940's Hollywood musical! No, this isn't a period piece, and indeed is set in modern day L.A. The style of film making and especially the visuals, are a love letter to those glamours technicolor musicals of days gone by.

Right off the bat, when I seen the old time logo: Presented in CINEMASCOPE I knew I was in for a modern-retro treat!

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The opening scene on a crowded LA freeway, with the cars at a stand still, as the camera pans by them and we hear all the different types of music coming from the cars, firmly planted the film in the modern day.....Then like a 40s musical, the people exit their cars and break into song in vivid color, (a node to old Technicolor filming process)...Loved it! What great staging, and on what looked like a very real crowded freeway, how did they do that? Impressive!

I love the way they have the 'world' of La La Land decked out with icons of past movie stars and styling clues that makes the film seem like a 40s retro piece. We see this in Mia's apartment with the huge Ingrid Bergman poster and in the club that Sebastian plays piano in.

The buildings along the streets have this retro-ness look about them....Even in the way the story is constructed and in the way the dialogue flows, it's all very much styled after a traditional musical.

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Both Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) had oodles of chemistry together. But not the touchy-feely...gee-we're-in-love type...but a more substantiated relationship, that comes from within the actors. I believed they were a matched pair and as much as they loved each other, they love their dreams more...And that my friends is what La La Land is about...'the price we pay for our dreams'.

And in that regard the film was as poignant as it was gleeful. I loved the scene when after the party they talk a long walk to their cars and have their first big dance number, such a beautiful location and choreography. The dance is simple, and yet beautiful. No wonder that scene was used for the movie's poster. My favorite part of the scene was the kicking of dirt on each other shoes!

The big dancing in the stars number at the Griffith Observatory was very fun to see, and illustrated how their newly found love, gave them wings, and they were literally walking on air.

I liked the ending best of all, I won't spoil it, but I will say it was genuine. It reminded me of another classic movie about Hollywood, A Star is Born.

rating_5

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[seanc]

Pleased you loved it Citizen. I consider Chazelle a pretty kinetic director and was worried that La La Land wouldn't appeal to you.

[Citizen Rules]

Pleased you loved it Citizen. I consider Chazelle a pretty kinetic director and was worried that La La Land wouldn't appeal to you. Why didn't you think I would like it?

[Camo]

I didn't like La La Land outside the look of the film but i'm sure that's a surprise to no one. Glad you liked it.

[Camo]

Why didn't you think I would like it?

I've noticed alot of classic musical fans not like it because of reasons i can't remember. Might be that he's talking about.

[Citizen Rules]

I know Gideon liked it, and of course Raul, but I don't remember what others here thought of it.

[seanc]

Why didn't you think I would like it?

You seem eaasily frustrated by the way modern movies are edited and I don't find Chazelle to be a throwback in that way. If you didn't like I thought that would be the reason.

[Citizen Rules]

You seem eaasily frustrated by the way modern movies are edited and I don't find Chazelle to be a throwback in that way. Very true, I'm often frustrated by modern movies and how they're edited.

I was just thinking the other day how I need to start watching more 40s films as I've spent a lot of my movie time lately watching new stuff and haven't liked a lot of it.

The editing and construction of La La Land felt very familiar to me, very nostalgic. The director really knew his 40s-50s musicals and not only dressed the sets accordingly, but the dialogue, the character's actions, and scenes were all very reminiscent of past movie making. That's impressive to me.

[Gideon58]

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LA LA LAND (2016)

Director: Damien Chazelle
Writer: Damien Chazelle Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
Genre: Musical Drama Romance


Loved your review and glad that you liked the movie, I knew you would...I would agree with just about everything you've said here, except for the fact that it should have won Best Picture. So glad that you mentioned the opening number on the freeway, which I also thought I was brilliant. Stone and Gosling did have mad chemistry though I don't think Stone deserved the Oscar. I think Chazelle's win for directing was on the money though.

[Gideon58]

I was just thinking the other day how I need to start watching more 40s films as I've spent a lot of my movie time lately watching new stuff and haven't liked a lot of it.



I didn't think anyone on this site watched more movies from the 40's than you do, Citizen.

[Gideon58]

I haven't seen that yet, I want to catch all of Woody's films. So far I'm not a fan of Bergman, but maybe I'll see one of his films I like.

Interiors would be a pretty good gauge as to whether or not you can handle Bergman,

[Gideon58]

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=28546&stc=1&d=1485054854

Screamers (1995)

[LEFT]Director: Christian Duguay
Writers: Philip K. Dick (short story), Dan O'Bannon(screenplay)
Cast: Peter Weller, Roy Dupuis, Jennifer Rubin
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller



Peter Weller looks awesome here.

[Camo]

Interiors would be a pretty good gauge as to whether or not you can handle Bergman,

Have you watched any Bergman films? Didn't think you would have since you don't like watching foreign language films.

[Gideon58]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVGNeyxT-2k/VWtpjiXq83I/AAAAAAAALPo/SBhxj_IZopo/s1600/real_genius_lazlo_diner1.png
Real Genius (1985)

Director: Martha Coolidge
Cast: Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarret, Michelle Meyrink
Genre: Comedy



I remember not understanding a lot of what was going on this movie storywise, but I do remember thinking that Val Kilmer's performance made everything else worth sitting through...Kilmer didn't make a wrong move in this movie...William Atherton was an appropriately slimy villain of the piece as well...God, I hated his character in his movie.

[rauldc14]

Another La La fan!!!!!

[Gideon58]

Have you watched any Bergman films? Didn't think you would have since you don't like watching foreign language films.

The parallels between Interiors and Bergman are well-documented among movie buffs.

[Nestorio_Miklos]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30050&stc=1&d=1493403219
LA LA LAND (2016)

Director: Damien Chazelle
Writer: Damien Chazelle Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
Genre: Musical Drama Romance

La La Land should have won the Oscar for Best Picture. It's one of the freshest ideas for a movie that I've seen in a long time...and it does everything right!

Director/Writer Damien Chazelle really gets the feeling of a classic 1940's Hollywood musical! No, this isn't a period piece, and indeed is set in modern day L.A. The style of film making and especially the visuals, are a love letter to those glamours technicolor musicals of days gone by.

Right off the bat, when I seen the old time logo: Presented in CINEMASCOPE I knew I was in for a modern-retro treat!

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30049&stc=1&d=1493403161


The opening scene on a crowded LA freeway, with the cars at a stand still, as the camera pans by them and we hear all the different types of music coming from the cars, firmly planted the film in the modern day.....Then like a 40s musical, the people exit their cars and break into song in vivid color, (a node to old Technicolor filming process)...Loved it! What great staging, and on what looked like a very real crowded freeway, how did they do that? Impressive!

I love the way they have the 'world' of La La Land decked out with icons of past movie stars and styling clues that makes the film seem like a 40s retro piece. We see this in Mia's apartment with the huge Ingrid Bergman poster and in the club that Sebastian plays piano in.

The buildings along the streets have this retro-ness look about them....Even in the way the story is constructed and in the way the dialogue flows, it's all very much styled after a traditional musical.

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Both Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) had oodles of chemistry together. But not the touchy-feely...gee-we're-in-love type...but a more substantiated relationship, that comes from within the actors. I believed they were a matched pair and as much as they loved each other, they love their dreams more...And that my friends is what La La Land is about...'the price we pay for our dreams'.

And in that regard the film was as poignant as it was gleeful. I loved the scene when after the party they talk a long walk to their cars and have their first big dance number, such a beautiful location and choreography. The dance is simple, and yet beautiful. No wonder that scene was used for the movie's poster. My favorite part of the scene was the kicking of dirt on each other shoes!

The big dancing in the stars number at the Griffith Observatory was very fun to see, and illustrated how their newly found love, gave them wings, and they were literally walking on air.

I liked the ending best of all, I won't spoil it, but I will say it was genuine. It reminded me of another classic movie about Hollywood, A Star is Born.

rating_5

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30058&stc=1&d=1493404713
i was avoiding this picture but after your review i gotta see it😆

[Nestorio_Miklos]

Another La La fan!!!!!
how did you find it raul?

[Camo]

The parallels between Interiors and Bergman are well-documented among movie buffs.

Yes but i don't think you yourself can make that statement with any sort of conviction without seeing any Bergman. I've heard quite a few people call it Woody doing a bad Bergman impression; that seems to be a common albeit not a unanimous sentiment. I've not seen Interiors myself but i've heard that from people who know both Bergman and Woody very well and i trust their judgement.

[Citizen Rules]

La La Land...I would agree with just about everything you've said here, except for the fact that it should have won Best Picture.

Stone and Gosling did have mad chemistry though I don't think Stone deserved the Oscar.

I think Chazelle's win for directing was on the money though. Which 2016 movie, did you think deserved the Oscar? Which actress did you favor for the Oscar?

I didn't think anyone on this site watched more movies from the 40's than you do, Citizen.There's a lot of MoFos who are well watched in 1940's movies. I need to watch a lot more myself. Hopefully we all will be watching a bunch for the next big countdown...1940's Top 100 Movies.

Interiors would be a pretty good gauge as to whether or not you can handle Bergman,I've been meaning to see Interiors, thanks to Sean challenging me to watch more Woody Allen I have and have learned to appreciate him.

i was avoiding this picture but after your review i gotta see it😆 Thanks....and watch it!

[Nestorio_Miklos]

guys how do u do those multiply mentions. please advise :)

[Citizen Rules]

guys how do u do those multiply mentions. please advise :)
Click the gear icon, click multi quote, click Post Reply

You can do that for a number of post.

[rauldc14]

how did you find it raul?

What do you mean?

How did I like it? I loved the film. Saw it twice in theater and just bought it as well.

[Nestorio_Miklos]

What do you mean?

How did I like it? I loved the film. Saw it twice in theater and just bought it as well.
yes i mean how did you like it? i learned this expression back in Ontario from my friends. sry about that:):):)

[seanc]

Interiors is good, but I have to say just a couple years later and I don't remember it that well. I love both Allen and Bergman but don't find them similar at all. Yes, Allen is dealing with religion and death a lot but in a much more surface level way. It feels more culturally relevant while Bergman feels more spiritually relevant. If that makes sense.

[cricket]

I'm not reading your review for La La Land because I'm watching it this week, but wow for that rating!

Interiors is my favorite Woody Allen movie so far, and it very much reminded me of Bergman.

[Citizen Rules]

http://www.sbs.com.au/movies/sites/sbs.com.au.film/files/styles/full/public/romper_stomper_704_3.jpg?itok=hyzlGq5i&mtime=1471301762
Romper Stomper (1992)

Director: Geoffrey Wright
Writer: Geoffrey Wright
Cast: Russell Crowe, Daniel Pollock, Jacqueline McKenzie
Genre: Action, Drama

About: A group of Australian skinheads who are outraged by the influx of Vietnamese immigrants to their neighborhood.

Review: Great title!...I just wish that in between their romping to abandoned cavernous buildings and stomping immigrants, Russell Crowe and the boys would have done some musing on their basic tenets of Skinheadism.

I liked parts of the film and it was surprisingly cinematic, but I wanted more on their back story...To me the most interesting aspect isn't endless fight scenes, it's the peek inside a world most of us won't ever know. I thought the movie was going to open up and give us some insight when he brought out his copy of Mein Kampf, but nothing much was said about it.

I didn't find Russell Crowe's character all that interesting.
The girl with the pervy-rich dad and the skinhead who lived with his grandmother, were the best characters. Both had some depth to them that made me want to know more about them and actually care what happened to them.

My favorite scene was where the older skinhead sells them a Nazi knife and Russell Crowe immediately knows it's a Hitler Youth dagger made at the end of the war in 1945 when quality metal was scarce...that scene told me more about his character than the rest of the film.

I did like some of the movie and the overall premise is very interesting. I'm not a fan of martial arts films and that seems to be the direction they went with the movie. I would have liked more essay, less action.

Some other scenes and aspects I liked such as:

The opening fight scene in a highway tunnel reminded me of the beating scene of a homeless man in a tunnel in A Clockwork Orange. I'm pretty sure the director was paying homage to that scene.

Gabe having an ecliptic fit on the floor and no one knowing what to do...with one skinhead stupidly mocking her....was both shocking and effective! That was a powerful scene. I felt bad for her...then when Davey comforted her it made a dynamic between him, her and Hondo...that all was interesting.

I thought the end scene was very well done and seemed quite real. I don't recall seeing the same type of shot before.

rating_3-

[Dani8]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29909&stc=1&d=1492480707
Lion (2016)

Director: Garth Davis
Writers: Saroo Brierley (novel 'A Long Way Home'), Luke Davies (screenplay)
Cast: Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara
Genre: Biography, Drama

About: Based on the true story of a 5 year old boy from a poor region of India. On a trip to the city with his older brother, he gets separated and ends up trapped on an empty train. When he finally is able to escape he's 800 miles away in Calcutta. Frightened and alone he seeks help, but finds only danger living on the dirty, crowded streets. Unable to communicate and tell others where he's from, he's mistaken for an orphan and adopted by an Australian couple where he lives happily for 25 years. Finally with the help of Google:rolleyes: he's able to find his hometown and seeks out his family.

Review: Pretty decent movie and I did enjoy it, the first act is powerful, but the second act with all the Google searching was boring and I guess that's why the movie poster has a Google search bar smack in the middle of it. Anyway that's just a pet peeve and doesn't figure into my review or rating of Lion.

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The first act...is about the 5 year old boy lost in the dirty and dangerous streets of Calcutta. Damn! that was powerful stuff and actually filmed there too. I wish the entire movie had been about the boys time in India, because the second act was weak.

The second act...now it's 25 years latter and the boy has grown up and become Dev Patel, who I really like as an actor BTW. Dev Patel did an amazing Australian accent, at least to my American ears. It's not his fault that the second act is a boggled mess that' suppose to show the viewer how searching for his family in India has consumed him. Everything is just sort of glazed over and we get a little bit of this and that, but not much of anything deep.

The third act...should be the big pay off, when we see Dev Patel back in India searching for his family. But this part went way too fast. He arrives in India, and boom, the movie is over. I wanted more.

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The actors...Well if you actually read my review;) you already know I like Dev Patel as an actor. I first saw him in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). He's good here too, but doesn't get much to work with.

Nicole Kidman...why do we need her in this film. Probably for the same reason we need Google, money. She's one of the biggest names in film and will draw a crowd. She's fine too, I usually like her, but...just seeing her breaks the illusion of a true life story. She looked hideous in her poodle dog wig BTW.

Rooney Mara...who cares, she didn't do anything interesting in this movie. Perhaps she's a great actress, I guess I'll have to catch her in another movie to find out for sure.

Sunny Pawar...he plays the lost 5 year old boy. And boy! can this little kid act! IMDB didn't see fit to include his name in the 'Stars' at the top of the Lion movie page, but I corrected that and gave him the credit he deserved.

That's it, that's my review.

rating_3

Great review, CR.
I didnt mind the google search - just seemed topical to me.
I had no idea when watching that movie that Dev was not an aussie. His accent is probably the best I've heard a foreigner put on.
The kid blew my mind.
And usually I dont like Kidman but I loved her in this. I found her totlly believable.
Did you cry at the end? I might have gone through a tissue box or two.

[Citizen Rules]

Great review, CR.
I didnt mind the google search - just seemed topical to me.
I had no idea when watching that movie that Dev was not an aussie. His accent is probably the best I've heard a foreigner put on.
The kid blew my mind.
And usually I dont like Kidman but I loved her in this. I found her totlly believable.
Did you cry at the end? I might have gone through a tissue box or two. Thanks!, I'm glad you liked the review. The little kid was great. I would have liked to seen more of him in Australia adapting to his new home. The ending was very touching! (but nope I didn't cry, I never do at the movies)

[Dani8]

Thanks!, I'm glad you liked the review. The little kid was great. I would have liked to seen more of him in Australia adapting to his new home. The ending was very touching! (but nope I didn't cry, I never do at the movies)

It's OK, matey. Just do what Mr D does and claim it's hay fever.

So impressed with that little boy. Dayum, I wanted to adopt him.

[Citizen Rules]

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Director: Fred F. Sears
Cast: Hugh Marlowe, Joan Taylor, Donald Curtis
Genre: Sci Fi
Stop Motion Animation: Ray Harryhausen

About: UFOs...aka Flying Saucers, carry aliens to Earth after a string of advanced satellites are put into Earth orbit by a team of scientist. The aliens intentions seem hostile, are they?

Review: Earth vs The Flying Saucers is remembered today for the stop motion animation done by the legendary Ray Harryhausen. We're treated to all sorts of neat saucer activity as Ray has the UFOs crashing into many of the most famous Washington D.C. buildings. Include the Washington monument!

Note: this is available as one of the newer digital colorized movies. The original version, which I watched, was in glorious black and white. I did watch some of the colorized version and it looked pretty good.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30129&stc=1&d=1493706869



The movie was "suggested" by a 1953 non fiction novel, Flying Saucers From Outer Space...written by a retired U.S. Marine Corps, Maj. Donald Keyhoe. The Major believed that certain unexplained UFO phenomena was due to extraterrestrials visiting Earth. His book not only inspired this movie, but untold numbers of believers in the UFO phenomenon as well.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30086&stc=1&d=1493604824


What sets this movie apart from other B budget 50s sci fis, is that it tries to show us the decisions being made by the military and does so in a fairly believable way.

Add to that the fact that the movie uses actually stock footage of U.S. Viking rockets being launched and you can see this is sci fi that tried to seem believable.

The aliens are also believable in that they are neither purely evil nor do they show any remorse for they cold, calculated logic. I loved the scene where the aliens abduct two humans for interrogation, then when they are done with them, simply toss them out of the ship to fall to their deaths. Very extraterrestrial like.

One of the better 50s sci fi B movies.

rating_3

[Gideon58]

Which 2016 movie, did you think deserved the Oscar? Which actress did you favor for the Oscar?



JMO, but I thought Manchester by the Sea should have won Best Picture and I think Natalie Portman should have won Best Actress for Jackie.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30122&stc=1&d=1493690326
The Great Gatsby (1949)

Director: Elliott Nugent
Cast: Alan Ladd, Betty Field, Macdonald Carey, Ruth Hussey, Barry Sullivan
Genre: Drama

About: In this very loose "adaptation" of the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel set in the roaring 1920's, a self made millionaire who made his fortune as a bootlegger learns that his vast wealth does not make him happy.

Review: 1949's The Great Gatsby was the second film adaptation from the novel. The first was a 1926 silent version, now lost.

Wow, This movie is bad. It just goes to show that even an old film doesn't make it a classic. The movie is very sanitized from the novel, so as to fit the Hays Production Code. Most of the men characters could have switched roles and no one would notice. They were stiff acting, cardboard cut outs.

Daisy was likable and so was Shelly Winters as the woman who lives at a gas station. This made me appreciate the 1974 version with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow all the more!

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30121&stc=1&d=1493690313
Alan Ladd as Gatsby and Betty Field as Daisy.


The film is notably for early appearances by two actors would latter make names for themselves, the fore mentioned Shelly Winters and Howard Da Silva, who starred as Benjamin Franklin, in the musical 1776

And one point Gene Tierney was to play Daisy and Tyrone Power Gatsby. That might have been a dynamic duo. What we see here is just average film making.

rating_2_5


.

[re93animator]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30088&stc=1&d=1493605075


One of the better 50s sci fi B movies.

rating_3

One of the ones I haven't seen yet. I'm definitely more fond of the ones that amp up the cheesy polygonal sci-fi paraphernalia, but I'm on it.

[Citizen Rules]

One of the ones I haven't seen yet. I'm definitely more fond of the ones that amp up the cheesy polygonal sci-fi paraphernalia, but I'm on it.Have you seen a lot of 50s Sci Fi? I'm always up for recommendations.

[re93animator]

Have you seen a lot of 50s Sci Fi? I'm always up for recommendations.

The all powerful Forbidden Planet is the best IMO. A few of the more famous ones (Blob, Fly, Shrinking Man, WOTW, etc.), I'm not too big a fan of. The 50s might be my least fav sci-fi decade:(. Like I said, I love the cheesy sci-fi imagery, and the 50s tended to focus more on earthly invasions, crappy monsters, and whatnot. I still really like:
The Thing from Another World
Man in the White Suit
Quatermass and the Pit (TV serial / better than the movies)
The Quatermass Xperiment
Day the Earth Stood Still
... and myriad MST3K episodes. :D Maybe some Abbott and Costello too.

... and these are from the 60s, but I think they're similarly dated enough to apply:
Ikarie XB-1 (super underrated)
Planet of the Vampires
The Amphibian Man
First Men in the Moon (I think this would fit your tastes the most / gorgeous Hollywood production)
Time Machine (I assume you've seen)

[Blix the Goblin]

Have you seen a lot of 50s Sci Fi? I'm always up for recommendations.http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q104/midvalley9/them1.jpg
Planet of the Vampires
I love, love, love, love that movie! Easily my favorite classic sci-fi flick.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30175&stc=1&d=1493861357

Island of Lost Souls (1932)


Director: Erle C. Kenton
Writer: Philip Wylie & Waldemar Young (screenplay) H.G. Wells (novel)
Cast: Charles Laughton, Bela Lugosi, Richard Arlen
Genre: Sci-Fi Horror

About: A brilliant but deranged scientist with delusions of grandeur, conducts inhumane experiments on animals on his private tropical island. He becomes godlike to his race of mutated human-animals.

Review: Based on the classic H.G. Wells novel, this 1932 precode movie for it's time dealt with some serious stuff, that caused the film to be banned in both Britain and Sweden.

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Most notably was the scenes of the sadistic procedure of vivisection. Luckily we're not directly shown this, but it is referenced to occur in Dr Moreau's house of pain.

In some ways this is a deep movie dealing with animal rights, and the desire of scientists to experiment on them regardless of the consequences. It's very effective and Charles Laughton who plays the scientist who would be God, is at his finest here.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=30173&stc=1&d=1493861344

Trivia:
"To create the language of the animal mutants sound-man Loren L. Ryder recorded a mixture of animal sounds and foreign languages, then played them backwards at alternating speeds. The effect: the sound induced nausea and caused the audiences to vomit in the theaters."


Island of Lost Souls is a classic that would latter be remade as The Island of Dr Moreau (1977) and The Island of Dr Moreau (1996). This is a must watch for any fans of early horror films.

rating_4_5


.

[Citizen Rules]

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The Rosa Parks Story (2002)

Director: Julie Dash
Writer: Paris Qualles
Cast: Angela Bassett, Peter Francis James, Tonea Stewart, Cicely Tyson
Genre: Biography, Drama
TV Movie

This movie's subject should need no introductions. The Rosa Parks Story...is just that, the story of Rosa Parks. The movie starts with Rosa as a little girl from the country going to school for the first time. We see where Rosa gets her sense of self respect from and we learn what makes Rosa do what she did in Montgomery, Alabama 1955 on a public bus, many years latter.

This is a made for TV movie, it's not big budget, it's not fancy, but it does everything right. It gets down to telling Rosa's story....after her school years, we see her future husband who's not always in line with Rosa's viewpoint and yet he loves her.

I thought Angela Bassett did a fantastic job portraying the civil rights icon. Angela as Rosa had this quiet determination and class, that made Rosa come alive on the screen.

Peter Francis James, plays her husband Raymond Parks. I liked him too, he really looked like President Obama in this movie, which was a bit distracting at first. If someone is going to make a movie about Barack Obama, they need to hire Peter Francis James!

Cicely Tyson, who made a big splash in another made for TV movie, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman playing a 110 year old slave woman, has a turn as Rosa's mother. She's good too, though she doesn't get much screen time.

I can't say enough about this simply told, yet powerful story about segregation and Jim Crow laws in the south and the woman who helped bring that to an end. The movie is intelligently done and I felt like I was riding along in the bus with Rosa and felt her indignation at being asked to move to the back of the bus.

rating_3_5

[Citizen Rules]

https://kafeinsiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/allied-3.jpg
Allied (Robert Zemeckis, 2016)

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: Steven Knight
Cast: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris
Genre: Drama, Action, Romance

About: A Canadian secret intelligence officer (Brad Pitt) working undercover in Morocco, during World War II. He's assigned a French woman Resistances fighter, together they are sent on a deadly undercover mission to kill a Nazi ambassador at a party. During their mission they break the cardinal rule of spies and fall in love. In London they marry and have a child. All would seem happy under questions from British secret service are raised that brings into doubt the true identity of his wife (Marion Cotillard)

Review: Damn fine movie! I have to say I was figuring this for a edge of your seat, hyper paced, block buster action adventure flick. Nope...this is a well made, well told story, with just enough action to keep it interesting, while mainly focusing on the characters, their relationship and the growing mystery as to the identity of the French woman.

https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/008_100_comp-01009r.jpg?w=560


I was impressed! with the scenes done in Morocco. Clearly the film pays homage to that great classic that was also set in Morocco, Casablanca (1942). The sets were beautiful decked out in 1940s Hollywood-esque and so were the actors. It was a joy to see so much attention paid to details...that's important in a period piece film.

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Brad Pitt rocked his role. He was serious, he was understated, but intense when the scene called for it. He kept the movie grounded and kept it from becoming just another action flick.

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Marion Cotillard, was equally impressive in this and has a pivotal role in the movie. In fact so has a lot of screen time as her charter is very important to the story. I liked her.

I can't and I won't spoil the ending, but I will say it took me by surprise.
Robert Zemeckis, best known for his Back to The Future movies, really proves that sometimes a more experienced and less trendy director can make a very solid movie.

rating_3_5

[gbgoodies]

I hadn't heard of Allied, but it sounds interesting. I added it to my watchlist.

Wasn't Brad Pitt in the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, another movie about married spies?

[Citizen Rules]

I hadn't heard of Allied, but it sounds interesting. I added it to my watchlist.

Wasn't Brad Pitt in the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, another movie about married spies? I'm pretty sure he was in Mr and Mrs Smith, but I never seen that one.

[gbgoodies]

I'm pretty sure he was in Mr and Mrs Smith, but I never seen that one.


I haven't seen Mr and Mrs Smith yet either, but the DVD's been sitting on my shelf for years. I'll get to it eventually. :rolleyes:

[Gideon58]

https://kafeinsiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/allied-3.jpg
Allied (Robert Zemeckis, 2016)

[LEFT][FONT=Arial Narrow]Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: Steven Knight
Cast: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris
Genre: Drama, Action, Romance
[B][FONT=Arial]

[/SIZE]

Robert Zemeckis and Brad Pitt? Will be adding this to my watchlist.

[Gideon58]

I'm pretty sure he was in Mr and Mrs Smith, but I never seen that one.

Yes, Brad was in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) with Angelina Jolie...technically they played paid assassins, not spies. They had been married for five (or 6) years before finally figuring out they did the same thing for a living (yeah, right?). I said 5 or 6 because Mr. Smith believes they've been married 5 years but Mrs. Smith insists that it's been 6.

[Citizen Rules]

Yes, Brad was in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) with Angelina Jolie...technically they played paid assassins, not spies. They had been married for five (or 6) years before finally figuring out they did the same thing for a living (yeah, right?). I said 5 or 6 because Mr. Smith believes they've been married 5 years but Mrs. Smith insists that it's been 6. Thanks Gideon, I vaguely remember when that film comes out. I'm pretty sure it's not my type of movie, so I doubt I'll ever watch it.

[Gideon58]

Thanks Gideon, I vaguely remember when that film comes out. I'm pretty sure it's not my type of movie, so I doubt I'll ever watch it.

I would go out on a limb and agree with you Citizen, it is not your type of movie.

[Captain Steel]

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Sully (2016)

Director: Clint Eastwood
Writers: Todd Komarnicki(screenplay), Chesley Sullenberger(novel)
Cast: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney
Genre: Biography, Drama

The true life story of Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, an airline pilot who heroically saved the lives of 155 passengers by making an emergency crash landing in the Hudson River, after both of the plane's engines failed.

What a wasted story. Director Clint Eastwood who usually knocks them out of the ballpark, delivers up a huge, incoherent mess of a movie. Sure the story of a plane crash with a heroic effort featuring Tom Hanks should be a winner.... I mean the actual real life story itself is riveting, but not in the way the film is edited and structured. Eastwood goes out of his way to make the most unemotional, un-intriguing telling of this amazing event possible. It's hard to believe Eastwood's name is attached to the film.

Right of the bat we're treated to an over the top CG plane crash into New York City...but surprise! it's a dream sequence! Really? a dream sequence with a super explosion CG crash....not needed! and it cheapened the story.

The entire movie jumps around from the investigation of Sully's decision to make an emergency landing in the Hudson, to moments before the crash, and to the crash and rescue itself. This nonlinear timeline does not suit the film and does nothing to develop interest in the story. The characters seem disembodied and we hardly know or care about them. This makes for a movie that lacks any interest...that's right one of the most amazing tales is turned into a lack luster movie.

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Even the plane crash and rescue was pretty much milquetoast.
It was mediocre, I have nothing else to say.

rating_2




.

For some reason I thought this post was much more recent. Anyway, I viewed Sully last night and couldn't agree more with this review.

In a way it reminded me of The 33 - which took an unbelievably miraculous real-life adventure and translated it into (not a terrible, but) a somewhat forgettable movie.

The weird thing is this didn't even feel like a movie. I'm not sure why, but it had more the feeling of one of those made-for-TV docu-dramas. I will say that Aaron Eckhart looked a lot like the real life co-pilot! (Nice mustache!)

I would've liked more story about the passengers and the rescue - in one documentary I saw about it, there was a lot of drama and trauma surrounding the rescue.

And that reminds me of my United 93 experience - I won't fault the movie, it was pretty good as far as real life tragedies go. But before seeing the movie, I caught one of the made-for-TV docu-dramas about it. I ended up feeling that the docu-drama was more informative and more gripping than the movie. Same with the Maersk Alabama hi-jacking - after seeing a TV documentary I was excited to see the movie, but it was another lackluster experience in yet another Tom Hanks vehicle: Captain Phillips.

Also, I recall there was one flight attendant involved in the "miracle on the hudson" who was not at all enthused with the media frenzy surrounding the event and did not view it as a "miracle" at all. I believe she suffered a concussion and some permanent injuries - I remember she was very bitter and refused to do the talk show circuit with the other crewmembers because she was traumatized & injured (and didn't seem to view Sully as having done something spectacular). I don't know if she was just seeking restitution, but she apparently wasn't mentioned in the film (or, if she was depicted, her attitude afterward wasn't revealed) - but showing someone involved having a different view after the vindication of the hearing could have added some interest or depth.

[Citizen Rules]

For some reason I thought this post was much more recent. Anyway, I viewed Sully last night and couldn't agree more with this review. No worries, I'm just glad somebody read my review and commented on it. i'm always happy to talk about any of the movies I reviewed, even the really old reviews.

In a way it reminded me of The 33 - which took an unbelievably miraculous real-life adventure and translated it into (not a terrible, but) a somewhat forgettable movie.

The weird thing is this didn't even feel like a movie. I'm not sure why, but it had more the feeling of one of those made-for-TV docu-dramas.It did feel like a docu-drams, that seems to be a current trend in movies. Sometimes that works for me, but not with Sully.

I would've liked more story about the passengers and the rescue - in one documentary I saw about it, there was a lot of drama and trauma surrounding the rescue.Me too, they glossed over that and geez...it is a movie about a plane crash so us viewers want to see what that experience was like. I didn't mind how the film explored Sully's self doubt and the hearings, but the actual crash part was really played down.

And that reminds me of my United 93 experience - I won't fault the movie, it was pretty good as far as real life tragedies go. But before seeing the movie, I caught one of the made-for-TV docu-dramas about it. I ended up feeling that the docu-drama was more informative and more gripping than the movie. Same with the Maersk Alabama hi-jacking - after seeing a TV documentary I was excited to see the movie, but it was another lackluster experience in yet another Tom Hanks vehicle: Captain Phillips.I haven't seen those other films you mentioned but I did see Captain Phillips, I really liked that one as it was litterally blow by blow, the actions that were taken by Captain Phillips during the hijacking.

Also, I recall there was one flight attendant involved in the "miracle on the hudson" who was not at all enthused with the media frenzy surrounding the event and did not view it as a "miracle" at all. I believe she suffered a concussion and some permanent injuries - I remember she was very bitter and refused to do the talk show circuit with the other crewmembers because she was traumatized & injured (and didn't seem to view Sully as having done something spectacular). I don't know if she was just seeking restitution, but she apparently wasn't mentioned in the film (or, if she was depicted, her attitude afterward wasn't revealed) - but showing someone involved having a different view after the vindication of the hearing could have added some interest or depth.Interesting, I didn't know that. I would have like to learn more about her.

[cricket]

I'm sure Allied is well put together, but I think I'd be bored out of my mind based on the trailer.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm sure Allied is well put together, but I think I'd be bored out of my mind based on the trailer. Really why? Without spoiling the movie, I will say the ending is a powerful one and I think at least the ending would have an impact on you.

[cricket]

Really why? Without spoiling the movie, I will say the ending is a powerful one and I think at least the ending would have an impact on you.

I don't know how to explain it, but kind of schmaltzy with a lack of excitement. It's not really my kind of movie either.

[Citizen Rules]

I don't know how to explain it, but kind of schmaltzy with a lack of excitement. It's not really my kind of movie either.I think I know what you mean, it's more entertainment, than serious film making. And yeah that's true.

[cricket]

I think I know what you mean, it's more entertainment, than serious film making. And yeah that's true.

See I think it looks like good quality but not entertaining.

[Citizen Rules]

See I think it looks like good quality but not entertaining.Ah, I misunderstood you. I still can't totally guess what a person would like or dislike in movies, and we've been in a few Hofs too:p

[Citizen Rules]

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Hidden Figures (2016)

Director: Theodore Melfi
Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Biography

About: A team of Black American women mathematicians, working at NASA in the early 1960s as 'computers'. Their job is to do complex mathematical calculations so that America can put the first man into space, John Glenn. The film focuses on three gifted women who despite their skills face segregation and unfair treatment.

Review: Director Theodore Melfi serves up a potpourri of drama, romance, light comedy, social commentary, history and biography all tastefully rolled up in one palatable movie called Hidden Figures.

Who knew that NASA employed woman in 1960 as human computers...and segregated them to a small part of the NASA complex? You can learn a lot from this film...and have fun while doing it. While the topic of segregation and civil rights is important and the movie's main focus is to pay homage to these black women pioneers who helped to break the color barrier...the film also doesn't forget to entertain along the way.

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I liked the lead Taraji P. Henson, I had never seen her before but she had a likable on screen presences and had me rooting for her to get fair treatment and to find love and respect.



Octavia Spencer (The Help, 2011), has a strong willed character that audiences will be rooting for. Janelle Monáe, is the other part of this trio, she has less screen time and there forth less character development. She's known as a model and singer, but did appear in (Moonlight, 2016).

It was good to see Kevin Costner as the driven but fair minded head of NASA's Friendship space launch program. And for an antagonist we get the capable Kirsten Dunst.

Hidden Figures is not ground breaking or hard hitting, but it delivers where needed. Oh BTW history shows John Glenn was a cool guy! as he insisted on having the flight trajectory math checked by the real Katherine Johnson played by Taraji P. Henson, thus giving her the credit she was due!

rating_3_5

[gbgoodies]

Is Jim Parsons (Sheldon from "The Big Bang Theory") in Hidden Figures? I thought I read somewhere that he was in it, but I don't see him in the cast photo that you posted, (unless that's the back of his head at the bottom of the picture).

[mark f]

Yep.

[gbgoodies]

Yep.


Thanks. I haven't seen Jim Parsons in much outside of TBBT, so I'm curious to see him in other roles.

[Gideon58]

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Hidden Figures (2016)

[FONT=Arial Narrow]Director: Theodore Melfi
Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Biography



Glad you liked the movie Citizen...hope you'll read my review.

[Citizen Rules]

I'll do so right now!:)

[Citizen Rules]

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The von Trapp Family: A Life of Music (2015)


Director: Ben Verbong
Cast: Eliza Bennett, Yvonne Catterfeld, Cornelius Obonya
Genre: Drama

Director Ben Verbong brings to the screen the story of Agathe von Trapp, who was the oldest daughter of that well known musical family that The Sound of Music (1965) was based on. The real Agathe von Trapp was portrayed as Liesl in The Sound of Music. This film is based on Agatha's novel: Agathe von Trapp: Memories Before and After The Sound of Music, and tells the von Trapp story from her viewpoint.

Eliza Bennett, plays Agatha and does an amazing job at being personable while we forget about the famous Julie Andrews vehicle and begin to care about Agatha's plight. The story line is familiar to anyone who's seen The Sound of Music, it's the true story of how the von Trapp family who were gifted musical in Austria come to accept a new woman into their lifes, Maria (Yvonne Catterfeld), who works as a nanny and marries Georg. And of course as history unfolds the Nazis come to Austria and the von Trapps flee to safety.

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After her mother passes, Agatha becomes the lady of the house and takes care of the other children and dolts on her father....
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....tensions rise when the the father marries the nanny Maria and Agatha resents her new mother.

Much of the filming was done on location in the Alps. This was filmed in Salzburg, Austria and in Bavaria Germany. The cinematography and the sets are gorgeous. The costumes are done in a combination of late 1930's style for Maria, and for Agatha she wears traditionally Austrian Alpine clothing.

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I found this very nicely done. I enjoyed it, in fact I liked the story better than the one in The Sound of Music. This is not a musical even though there are a couple of times where Agatha and also the children sing. If there's one thing I didn't care for it was the multiple time line set in the present with the elderly Agatha giving advice to a great granddaughter. However those present day scenes are few and far between.

A must see for fans of The Sound of Music.

rating_3_5

[Gideon58]

Donnie Darko The Director's Cut


[CENTER]http://www.outlawvern.com/posters/donnie_darko_directors_cut_2004.jpg

I'm surprised you liked Donnie Darko, Citizen, doesn't strike me as your kind of movie...it was in the top five of My Most Disturbing Movie Experiences. if the truth be told, I just don't get the movie at all.

[Gideon58]

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[SIZE=6]The von Trapp Family: A Life of Music [SIZE=4](2015)



This sounds interesting...I've read for many years about the factual inaccuracies in The Sound of Music and something tells me this look at the same story might be a little more accurate. Will be adding it to my watchlist.

[gbgoodies]

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The von Trapp Family: A Life of Music (2015)




I've never heard of The von Trapp Family: A Life of Music. Is it a true story, or is it also a dramatized version of their lives?

[Citizen Rules]

I've never heard of The von Trapp Family: A Life of Music. Is it a true story, or is it also a dramatized version of their lives? Oh, I guess that answered my question:p...it's a true story based on the events as seen from the oldest daughter Agatha who was called Liesel in The Sound of Music. The real Agatha von Trapp wrote a biography of the events and this movie is then based on it. In some ways it's much different than The Sound of Music.

[gbgoodies]

Oh, I guess that answered my question:p...it's a true story based on the events as seen from the oldest daughter Agatha who was called Liesel in The Sound of Music. The real Agatha von Trapp wrote a biography of the events and this movie is then based on it. In some ways it's much different than The Sound of Music.


It sounds interesting, so I added it to my watchlist. It will be a while before I get to it, but I'll probably watch it as a double feature with The Sound of Music.

[Chypmunk]

Each to their own but the only double feature I'd ever watch with The Sound Of Music would be the ceiling as my head rolls back and the gun drops from my hand to the carpet :D

Where on Earth do you uncover some of these odd little fillums CR?

No offence intended with the humour btw - lots of people love TSOM and that's great!

[Citizen Rules]

...

Where on Earth do you uncover some of these odd little fillums CR?

No offence intended with the humour btw - lots of people love TSOM and that's great!Mostly I found them at the library. They have a list of DVD movies that are on order and occasionally I look at that and request a bunch of them. As they're on order it takes many months until they arrive...but they do...and I see I have another lesser known film waiting for me right now.

[Chypmunk]

Mostly I found them at the library. They have a list of DVD movies that are on order and occasionally I look at that and request a bunch of them. As they're on order it takes many months until they arrive...but they do...and I see I have another lesser known film waiting for me right now.
So wish I had a facility like that within easy reach - colour me jealous :(

[Citizen Rules]

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Journey to the Far Side of the Sun (1969)


Doppelgänger (original title)
Director: Robert Parrish
Writers: Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson
Cast: Roy Thinnes, Ian Hendry, Patrick Wymark
Genre: Sci fi

About: A space mission by the European Space Exploration Council decides to send two astronauts to explore a newly discovered planet. The planet is in the exact same orbit as Earth but is located on the opposite side of the sun.

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Review: British producer/writer Gerry Anderson sure has a lot of British sci fi under his belt. Before writing and producing Journey to the Far Side of the Sun, he created the cult puppet sci fi TV show Thunderbirds. Later he did another Brit TV sci fi show UFO, that reused some of the sets and ideas from this movie. I use to watch UFO and Journey to the Far Side of the Sun has a very similar feel to it. Like UFO this movie is mostly devoid of character development or deep plots, instead it relies on technical jargon, action and miniature sets. I must say the miniature sets look pretty good.

Later in the 1970s Gerry Anderson would go on to produce and write yet another British sci fi TV show Space:1999.

I couldn't help noticing how 2001 A Space Odyssey directly influenced this movie, especially in the space docking scenes and the scene in the future with an elderly man.

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I did find this a dry sci fi and once they get to the other planet, I was disappointed to see not much happened there. The films main claim to fame is the previously mentioned miniature sets...and the women in some very hip and mod 1969 clothing, complete with matching dyed go go boots!

The film looks better than it watches.
rating_2

[Captain Steel]

I'd probably check it out despite the low rating!

Caught a couple old episodes of the Thunderbirds recently and it was pretty interesting - it's a bit difficult to get past the puppets, but as far as story progression goes, it's pretty good. I was a bit amazed when I found the first premier episode bears some striking similarities to the movie Executive Decision (one of my favorite action flicks) - it even involves a passenger plane with a bomb on board and an attempt by a smaller aircraft to "dock" with the larger plane in an attempt to board the larger plane and defuse the bomb!

[gbgoodies]

I've never heard of Journey to the Far Side of the Sun, but I've seen some clips from the TV shows "Thunderbirds" and "Space:1999", and neither of them impressed me enough to see this movie.

Maybe if you had given it a better review, I might have given it a chance, but it doesn't sound like you're recommending it very highly anyway.

[Citizen Rules]

I use to like Space 1999 when it was on the air. It wasn't nearly as good as Star Trek but I watched a lot of the episodes. I also watched UFO and it was pretty boring, except the purple haired ladies.

Journey to the Far Side of the Sun would have been much better had they not given away the fact that the other planet was a duplicate Earth. If they wouldn't have done that then the movie could have worked as a mystery.

[re93animator]

Journey to the Far Side of the Sun (1969)

rating_2

Despite the rating, it sounds up my alley. The stills look great. I'm surprised I wasn't familiar with it before. Thanks for posting it.:)

[Citizen Rules]

Captain Steel andDespite the rating, it sounds up my alley. The stills look great. I'm surprised I wasn't familiar with it before. Thanks for posting it.:) Sorry for the late reply guys, my internet was offline this weekend, argh!

If you guys like technical films with some pretty cool sets and ideas, then yeah Journey to the Far Side of the Sun is a pretty decent movie in that regard. As a plus the movie on DVD was fully restored and looked amazing.

[Captain Steel]

Captain Steel and Sorry for the late reply guys, my internet was offline this weekend, argh!

If you guys like technical films with some pretty cool sets and ideas, then yeah Journey to the Far Side of the Sun is a pretty decent movie in that regard. As a plus the movie on DVD was fully restored and looked amazing.

Speaking of realistic sci-fi's that aren't very good - there's a British one, but now I can't find the title (it's in color, probably from the late 50's). I tried watching it on TCM but it was one of the few movies I couldn't get through - the first hour or so seemed like it was just watching people in offices. It was another with a spaceship that ends up with a bomb or something that could explosive on board (sounds like my last post here!) Any ideas?

[Citizen Rules]

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Kitty Foyle (1940)


Director: Sam Wood
Writers: Christopher Morley (novel), Dalton Trumbo (screenplay)
Cast: Ginger Rogers, Dennis Morgan, James Craig, Gladys Cooper
Genre: Drama, Romance

On the eve of her marriage, a young woman returns to her apartment only to find a former flame from the past is waiting for her there. Kitty Foyle (Ginger Rogers) then must decide if she will run away with the rich and charming former boyfriend (Dennis Morgan) or marry her steady and true fiance (James Craig), who's waiting at the alter. As she wrestles with her consciousness, she reflects back on her life and who she first meet these two men.

Based on a bestselling 1939 novel by Christopher Morley also titled Kitty Foyle...the movie earned Ginger Rogers an Academy Award for Best Actress.

The film starts off with a prologue that gives the viewer a brief history of women in relationships. It's designed to show us that Kitty Foyle is a modern woman in charge of her own life. I thought the prologue slowed the start of the film down but once we get to Kitty's story the movie takes off.

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Kitty is a no non sense woman who knows what she wants and won't take guff from anyone. Ginger is very likable in this role and pulls it beautifully. Her former boyfriend played aptly by Dennis Morgan is a rich 'main liner' from a well to do Philadelphia family. Dennis pairs well with Kitty and the couple have believable chemistry, which is important as their past history and love affair is what drives the movie.

Kudos to Gladys Cooper pictured in the photo above, who gives a believable performance as a wealthy but concerned would be mother in law.

I thought this bit of trivia was touching:

Among the many letters that Ginger Rogers received for her work in the film, this was the one that she treasured the most: "Hello Cutie - Saw "Kitty" last night and must write this note to say "That's it!" Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! You were superb Ginge - it was such a solid performance - the kind one seldom sees on stage or screen and it should bring you the highest honors anyone can win!! Hope to see you soon, As ever your, Fred." That letter was from Fred Astaire.

Kitty Foyle is one of the must see films of the 1940's. Nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay.

Ratingrating_3_5+

[Gideon58]

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Kitty Foyle (1940)


Director: Sam Wood
Writers: Christopher Morley (novel), Dalton Trumbo (screenplay)
Cast: Ginger Rogers, Dennis Morgan, James Craig, Gladys Cooper
Genre: Drama, Romance



Great review Citizen and I agree with just about everything you've said. As I mentioned before, I agree the prologue just slowed the film down and they definitely could have done without it...oh, and thanks for mentioning Gladys Cooper, she was fabulous wasn't she?

[Citizen Rules]

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Postcards from the Edge (1990)


Director: Mike Nichols
Writer: Carrie Fisher (screenplay)
Cast: Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman,
Genre: Semi-Autobiograpy, Comedy-Drama

A pill popping, cocaine addicted actress (Merly Streep) wakes up in a drug rehab center after having her stomach pumped in the emergency room. She's then forced to move back in with her domineering mother by the movie's insurance company...they won't let her work on her next movie project without a guardian watching over her.

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Postcards From the Edge is based on Carrie Fisher's 1987 semi-autobiographical novel. Carrie herself wrote the screenplay for this 1990 movie directed by veteran director Mike Nichols, who gave us such gems as: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), The Graduate (1967) and Silkwood (1983).

While the movie is not meant to be fully autobiographical, it is based on Carrie Fisher's life and her experiences with her mother Debbie Reynolds. The movie is played for laughs and as long as you don't expect a hard hitting expose on a Hollywood actress' drug addition, then the film works, OK.

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Real life mother and daughter. This photo speaks volumes.


Meryl Streep, plays Suzanne the daughter of a famous 1950s-60s movie star Doris Mann. They have a difficult relationship with Suzanne feeling her mother is always pushing to be the center of attention, and attention is what Suzanne needs.

I usually like Meryl Streep, but I don't think she was right for the role based on Carrie Fisher. Meryl plays her part too foo-foo, too silly and more like an airhead. I didn't buy it.

Reportedly real life mother and daughter Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis wanted to do the role. I would have loved to see a more spit-fire, multi dynamic character and I think Jamie Lee Curtis could have pulled it off.

Shirley MacLaine, I liked her! IMO she was the star of the film and is the best reason to watch this. She did ibidem a Debbie Reynolds persona. I felt like I was watching the real thing when ever she was on the screen.

The rest of the cast has some choice actors too, especially good was Gene Hackman and Denis Quaid.

rating_3



.

[Gideon58]

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Postcards from the Edge (1990)


[FONT=Arial Narrow]Director: Mike Nichols
Writer: Carrie Fisher (screenplay)
Cast: Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman,
Genre: Semi-Autobiograpy, Comedy-Drama
.

Can't believe you're just seeing this for the first time...enjoyed your review, though I liked it more than you did.

[Citizen Rules]

Can't believe you're just seeing this for the first time...enjoyed your review, though I liked it more than you did. I think I would have liked it more if I hadn't known so much about Carrie Fisher ( I mean that as a compliment to Carrie). But still a good film.

[SilentVamp]

Reportedly real life mother and daughter Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis wanted to do the role. I would have loved to see a more spit-fire, multi dynamic character and I think Jamie Lee Curtis could have pulled it off.
This is the kind of thing that I never want to hear - if it is really true - because it frustrates me that it never happened. I would've loved Jamie Lee Curtis in the role of the daughter. I think she would've portrayed the character more like she should've been (I agree that it wasn't the way it should've been presented), which means more like Carrie Fisher.

[SilentVamp]

Kitty Foyle (1940)
It has been years since I have seen this. I thought it was a pretty decent movie.

Crazy thing is that I always get Kitty Foyle mixed up with Kitty (a completely different film to that one - it is the title that does it to me). Have you ever seen that one?

Anyway, when I read that Dennis Morgan was in it I immediately thought that had to be wrong because Ray Milland is in it. But, no, you are right. :) I realized that Ray Milland is actually in Kitty.

I know which woman stars in which film (Paulette Goddard is in Kitty), but I can never get the two men straight. It makes no sense at all that I do that either. The one is in "modern" dress and the other is in 18th century clothing. I can't even figure myself out for not being able to keep them straight for each film. :tsk:

[Citizen Rules]

It has been years since I have seen this. I thought it was a pretty decent movie.

Crazy thing is that I always get Kitty Foyle mixed up with Kitty (a completely different film to that one - it is the title that does it to me). Have you ever seen that one?

Anyway, when I read that Dennis Morgan was in it I immediately thought that had to be wrong because Ray Milland is in it. But, no, you are right. :) I realized that Ray Milland is actually in Kitty.

I know which woman stars in which film (Paulette Goddard is in Kitty), but I can never get the two men straight. It makes no sense at all that I do that either. The one is in "modern" dress and the other is in 18th century clothing. I can't even figure myself out for not being able to keep them straight for each film. :tsk: Is Kitty any good? I've never heard of it, but after watching your nom for the 13th I have a new appreciation for Paullete Goddard.

[Citizen Rules]

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Topaz (Alfred Hitchcock, 1969)


Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writers: Leon Uris (novel), Samuel Taylor (screenplay)
Cast: Frederick Stafford, Dany Robin, John Vernon
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Length: 2h 23mins

About: A French secret intelligence agent, who has dealings with both the Communist Russians and with the Western World, finds his talents being pressed into service at the height of the Cold War. After he discovers evidence that leads up to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, he must then risk his life going undercover to gather information on a Russian Spy ring that is embedded in the French government.

Review: Topaz is often regarded as one of Hitch's weaker films...it's anything but weak. Hitch in the mid 1960's decided to walk away from the film style that had made him a household name in the 1950's. In the 40's and 50's Hitch had become known for making high end entertainment movies that focused on specific thriller elements, while delivering much more than just entertainment. Hitch was at top of his game after completing the Birds in 1963.

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Perhaps due to his relationship with French director François Truffaut, Hitch did a 180 turn with Topaz, a sophisticated film made in the style of European cinema. Gone were the eye candy special effects that Hitch's fans had grown to love. Gone too were the big name Hollywood stars, instead Hitch went with French actors who were unknown to mainstream American audiences.

Hitch was known to be very aware of what audiences thought of his movies and he aimed to have the biggest mass appeal, he aimed to please. Perhaps it was the criticisms of his past work as nothing more than pop entertainment that propped Hitch to make such a drastically different film in Topaz.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=31172&stc=1&d=1496852423


However, audiences of the day hated Topaz for the most part, most likely due to the fact it wasn't what Hitch usually made. Especially criticized was the original ending of the movie. So sensitive was Hitch that he re-shot an entirely different ending than the one he had planned.

I found Topaz to be more cerebral, but just as well crafted as Hitch's earlier films. The French actors were not as dynamic as Hollywood actors, but that's just a difference in acting style and actually works in favor of this smart, spy thriller with a complicated intelligent plot.

If you ever wondered what a real James Bond would have been like, circa 1964, check out Topaz.

rating_3_5

[gbgoodies]

https://assets.mubi.com/images/film/3033/image-w856.jpg?1481125782
Topaz (Alfred Hitchcock, 1969)


Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writers: Leon Uris (novel), Samuel Taylor (screenplay)
Cast: Frederick Stafford, Dany Robin, John Vernon
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Length: 2h 23mins



It's been many years since I saw Topaz, but I remember not liking it, so I never watched it again. Maybe I should give it another chance?

[Chypmunk]

Saw Topaz decades ago, can't really comment as I remember sod all about it (even the screenshots trigger absolutely nothing) .... that's very unusual for a Hitch film.

[mark f]

It is very forgettable.